ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 20, 2013



U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopters lift off from former Forward Operating Base Bostik and fly back to Forward Operating Base Wright in Kunar province, Afghanistan, June 5, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brittany Armstrong

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Coalition, Afghan Forces Arrest Extremists in Paktia Province

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 20, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested three extremists during a search for a senior Haqqani network leader in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.

The Haqqani leader organizes and executes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and manages supply routes for weapons and equipment.

The security force also seized a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a grenade, six anti-personnel mines, body armor, nine assault rifle magazines and ammunition.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Panjwai district killed a Taliban leader who produced and distributed improvised explosive devices and facilitated the movement of Taliban weapons.

-- Afghan local police in Kandahar's Panjwai district neutralized four IEDs after seeing enemy fighters planting them. Working from the district's newest checkpoint, local police for the village of Pay-e Maluk have neutralized 12 IEDs over the last week in their daily patrols.

-- A combined force in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district killed two extremists during a search for a Taliban leader who controls a group responsible for attacks on Highway 1 targeting Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinates the movement of weapons and performs intelligence and reconnaissance duties for senior Taliban leaders.

-- An Afghan provincial response company uncovered more than 800 pounds of homemade explosive materials near Wardak's Sra Kala village and arrested a suspect.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 19, 2013

 

U.S. Army Spc. Stephen Zupp takes a defensive fighting position while training to maintain his tactical skills as a member of a quick reaction force on Jalalabad Airfield in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, June 7, 2013. Zupp, an infantryman, is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class John D. Brown

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force in Kandahar Arrests Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 19, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and another extremist in Kandahar City, the provincial capital of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, today, military officials reported.


The Taliban leader is responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces, facilitates the movement of weapons in Kandahar City and the province's Shah Wali Kot district, and manages weapons caches.

The security force also seized an assault rifle in the operation.


In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force in Kandahar City arrested a Taliban facilitator who procures improvised explosive devices, weapons and ammunition and distributes them for attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He also manages supply routes into Kandahar province. The security force also arrested six other extremists.

-- In Helmand province's Marjah district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who controls groups responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also finances local Taliban cells, coordinates ammunition storage and coordinates IED movement and placement. The security force also arrested five other extremists and seized a shotgun.

-- Also in Helmand's Marjah district, a combined force arrested five extremists during a search for Taliban leader who coordinates, directs and executes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also passes strategic guidance from senior Taliban leadership to low-level fighters and facilitates movement of IEDs and other equipment. The security force also seized an assault rifle, four magazines and ammunition.


In operations yesterday:
-- In Herat province's Shindand district, Afghan special forces soldiers killed two enemy fighters who attacked them during a patrol near a local police checkpoint.

-- Afghan special forces soldiers detained five enemy fighters in Kandahar's Maiwand district. The Afghan forces planned and executed the unilateral operation to deny the enemy a safe haven in Chesmeth village.



　

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 24, 2013

 

U.S. Army Spcs. Andrew Landish and Tyrel Fishe prepare to launch a mortar in the Hesarak village of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. Landish and Fishe are assigned to 101st Airborne Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment. They communicate by radio with ground forces to coordinate precision attacks on emery forces. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 24, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and two other insurgents during an operation in the Dand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator is a vital member of improvised explosive device networks in Kandahar City. He procures and distributes IED-making materials, weapons and other military equipment for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other Afghanistan news today:

-- Combined forces confirmed yesterday's arrest of a Taliban facilitator in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province. The facilitator exercises command and control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also uses his residence as a storage facility for military equipment and coordinates the acquisition of weapons for use in insurgent activities.

-- Combined forces confirmed the death of two senior Haqqani leaders, Qari Azzam and Mukhlis, during a May 21 operation in the Zurmat district of Paktiya province. Azzam, also known as Maulawi Sahib, served as an intelligence operative responsible for providing information to senior Haqqani leadership about attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He was also involved in coordinating mine and IED emplacement in the local area, providing military equipment to insurgents and organizing kidnappings in order to extort money. Mukhlis, also known as Wazir, planned and participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also interfaced directly with senior Haqqani leadership to relay strategic guidance to insurgent fighters.

And yesterday, Provincial Response Company Logar, enabled by coalition forces, seized a large cache of explosives-making materials during a cordon-and-search mission in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province. The cache consisted of one IED, 374 pounds of ammonium nitrate and 110 pounds of phosphorous fertilizer. All seized materials were destroyed on location.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHNAISTAN FOR MAY 21, 2013

 

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew flies toward a container for sling load operation in the Chorah district of Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, May 12, 2013. The helicopter crew is assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment, Connecticut and Pennsylvania Army National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick
　

 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Wounds Taliban Leader, Arrests Insurgent
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 21, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force wounded a senior Taliban leader and arrested another insurgent in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader, who was wounded after he attacked the security force, is responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He and his subordinates facilitate the movement of insurgent weapons and equipment, and they build and plant improvised explosive devices, resulting in the deaths of Afghan civilians, officials said.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Kunar province's Ghaziabad district wounded an insurgent during a search of a senior Taliban leader who relays instructions from senior Taliban leadership to other insurgents. He extorts money from local businesses to fund insurgent activity and coordinates attacks on Afghan government officials. He also recruits Taliban members and facilitates the movement of equipment for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Nangarhar province's Lalpur district, a combined force killed three insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader who is the ranking military official in the province's Bati Kot district. He controls an insurgent IED cell, recruits suicide bombers and is involved in kidnappings of Afghan officials.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 15, 2013

 

U.S. Marines unload weapons and gear after returning from a mounted patrol on Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazay, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 7, 2013. U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Pena

 FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Afghan, Coalition Forces Wound Taliban Leader, Kill Insurgents
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 15, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force wounded a Taliban leader and killed two other insurgents in the Qush Tepah district of Afghanistan's Jowzjan province yesterday, military officials reported.

The leader has operational control over a group responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also engages in illegal taxation against Afghan civilians, provides training on improvised explosive device operations to his subordinates, and facilitates the movement of money, weapons and insurgent fighters in the area.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- Afghan special forces soldiers, advised by coalition forces, detained eight insurgents and seized and destroyed 200 gallons of homemade explosives and other bomb components in Kandahar province's Panjwai district.

-- In Ghazni province's Andar district, an Afghan local police quick-reaction force responding to attacks on two checkpoints killed an insurgent and wounded another.

-- An Afghan quick-reaction force killed two insurgents while responding to an attack on a local police checkpoint in Ghazni's Gelan district. After the engagement, the security force recovered two asault rifles.

U.S. 702ND EXPEDITIONARY AIRLIFT SQUADRON DEACTIVATED

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
The men and women of the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron gather for a group photo before the start of their deactivation ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on June 18, 2012. The squadron was established in July 2011 and was deactivated on June 18. The squadron supported tactical airlift requirements in support of operations in Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. Daniel J. Schroeder)  


702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deactivates at Kandahar Airfield 
by Capt. Frank Hartnett
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
6/20/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- A small group of Air Guardsmen were joined by senior leaders June 18 to celebrate the completion of their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to honor the deactivation of the 702nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here.

The 702nd EAS was activated here July 31, 2011, and charged to operate the C-27J Spartan in direct support of U.S. Army missions in the Regional Command - South area of operations.

During this rotation, the majority of the Airmen from 702nd EAS were from the Maryland Air National Guard. This deployment marked their third rotation to Afghanistan in five years.

The squadron deactivated after flying 3,200 missions, moving 1,400 tons of cargo, transporting 25,000 passengers and executing 71 airdrops, officials said. The achievements are even more impressive since the squadron operated only two aircraft.

"Persistent powerful presence-that's the mission of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, and the 702nd (EAS) has lived up to that statement in every respect," said Col. Robert Kiebler, the 451st Expeditionary Operations Group commander.

As the 702nd EAS becomes a part of history, the support provided to time-critical tactical airlift will not go with it.

"We will continue to provide world-class tactical airlift in support of operations in Regional Command - South," said Kiebler.

The U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade served as the link for the 702nd EAS to the Army while it conducted operations in Afghanistan. The squadron flew missions that were directed and scheduled by the brigade.

The 25th CAB commander praised the departing Air Guardsmen for adopting his unit's motto, "We fly for the troops," during the deactivation ceremony.

"It emphasizes to every Soldier, and now every Airman, that has been in our formation that it's not about us," said Army Col. Frank W. Tate, the 25th CAB commander. "It's not about what is convenient for us. It is about what we can do to take care of that Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor on the ground. They are the ones who carry that heavy burden; they are the ones with the most significant challenges."

Supporting the warfighter was a constant focus of the squadron in its 10 months of operation. The squadron prided itself in providing rapid response in support of the mission.

"We had folks bring in boxes of blood (to the squadron), with crews already at the plane," said Lt. Col Michael Lunt, the 702nd EAS commander. "We walked it out to the aircraft, and it went out the door to Tarin Kowt.

"You can't find a better mission than tactical airlift," Lunt said.

A clear sense of accomplishment prevailed among the unit and leadership.

"This rotation has been for me, and the men and women of the Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Mississippi, North Dakota and Arkansas Air National Guard, a very challenging, but, in many ways for us, the most rewarding rotation we've been on," Lunt said.

"We feel like we've made a difference for the young troops on the tip of the spear."

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE REPORTS ON AFGHANISTAN OPERATIONS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Afghan-led Security Force Detains Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 - In operations around Afghanistan yesterday:

An Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops detained a Taliban leader in Kandahar province's Arghistan district yesterday, military officials reported. The leader conducted roadside bombings against Afghan and coalition troops in Kandahar City and was responsible for moving explosive devices into the city from Zabul province, officials said.

He also was suspected of trying to infiltrate the Afghan National Police. The security force detained several additional suspects and seized weapons during the operation.

In May 5 operations in Afghanistan:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Uruzgan province's Tarin Kot district found small-arms ammunition, two hand grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade, five 82 mm recoilless rifle rounds, eight roadside-bomb detonators, nine anti-tank mines and a heavy weapons mount.

-- Insurgents attacked an Afghan and coalition security force conducting an operation to capture a Taliban leader in Faryab province's Almar district. The Taliban leader organizes roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and serves as a Taliban judge who tries to impose Taliban law on the civilians. The security force returned fire, and after ensuring no civilians were in the area, called in a precision air strike. A follow-on assessment determined that five insurgents were killed and no civilians were harmed. The security force detained several insurgents and recovered assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, a heavy machine gun and bomb components.

-- In Baghlan province's Baghlan-e Jadid district, an Afghan-led security force captured a Taliban leader who coordinated roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. He also supplied weapons, ammunition and equipment to insurgents. The security force also seized weapons and ammunition.

--
A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Nimroz province's Khash Rod district found and destroyed 185 pounds of wet opium.

-- In the same district, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a senior Taliban leader who was directly involved in the planning and coordination of roadside bombings, suicide bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in central Helmand province.

-- In Kandahar province's Shah Wali Kot district, insurgents attacked an Afghan and coalition security force conducting an operation to capture a Taliban facilitator who provides weapons to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in Daman and Arghistan districts. The security force returned fire and called in a precision air strike that killed three insurgents, detained another insurgent and seized weapons.

--
In Ghazni province's Andar district, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader who coordinated roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan officials, Afghan security forces and coalition troops. The security force also detained four other insurgents.

-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Paktia province's Zurmat district. The leader organizes roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition security forces.

In May 4 operations:

-- Two Taliban commanders and three other insurgents were killed by a coalition airstrike after a battle with a combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Almar district of Afghanistan's Faryab province. The senior Taliban commander planned and organized roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province and distributed funds to the Taliban district commanders. The subordinate commander responsible for carrying out attacks was a Taliban judge who tried to impose Taliban law and punishment on civilians in Faryab province. The security force detained several other suspected insurgents and also recovered weapons and bomb components.

-- A team of armed insurgents moved to attack a combined Afghan and coalition security force on patrol in Helmand province's Nahr-e Seraj district. The force engaged the insurgents, killing several. A search of the compound found bomb components, homemade explosives and several small-arms weapons.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Wardak Sayyidabad district saw a Taliban commander providing weapons and ammunition to insurgents. He was known to be involved in recruiting insurgents, acquiring weapons and explosives, and planning attacks throughout the region. After ensuring no civilians were nearby, the security force called for an airstrike that killed the Taliban leader and several other insurgents. The security force detained several insurgents and seized a recoilless rifle, a heavy machine gun, assault rifles, grenades and mortar rounds.