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FYI
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2003 - U.S. and Italian forces launched an offensive June 2
against anti-coalition forces in the Shahi Kowt section of the Paktia province
in Afghanistan, Combined Joint Task Force 180 officials said today.

A brigade-sized unit launched Operation Dragon Fury to prevent the re-emergence
of terrorism, to deny sanctuary to terrorists and to protect nongovernmental
organizations and coalition forces from enemy attack.

Army Col. Rod Davis, spokesman for the command, said the ground assault section
set up blocking positions and air assault troops drove anti-coalition forces
into the trap. A total of 21 men were taken under control by coalition forces.

The U.S. forces came out of Kandahar, the Italian forces from Khowst. Paktia
province is located in eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. The
province was the scene of tough fighting in 2001 and was raided again last
year.

Roughly 20 helicopters launched the air assault. Close-air support was standing
by in case the coalition troops needed the assistance, Davis said. He said the
Italian forces searched more than 300 vehicles and inspected more than 800
people.

There were no coalition casualties.

American forces came from the 82nd Airborne units in the area. Special
operations personnel also took part.

Operation Dragon Fury is continuing.