Free Republic

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2005 – Afghan National Army forces and U.S. Marines killed more than 40 enemy combatants during an offensive operation over the last few weeks in the districts of Chawkay, Asadabad, Pech and Narang, in Afghanistan's Konar province. The ANA and Marines fought side by side in 29 separate engagements against the enemy, disrupting hostile activity during Operation Whalers. The operation's purpose was to disrupt enemy forces in the area and to clear the way for successful elections, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said. "The ANA have demonstrated their abilities with great success," said Marine...

Two of the four US special forces soldiers missing in eastern Afghanistan for almost a week have been found dead, US military sources have told the BBC. One was found alive on Saturday, but the whereabouts and condition of a fourth team member remains unclear. The governor of Konar province has spoken of reports that an American is being cared for in a remote village. The US launched a major hunt for the men after a Chinook helicopter sent to find them was shot down last week. The 16 US soldiers on board the helicopter were killed. Meanwhile, the...