ANA, Coalition forces ward of attacks in Zabul, destroy IEDs in Kandahar

By Sergeant Ben WatsonJuly 17, 2010

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Soldiers from Afghan National Army's 205th

Corps respond to attacks near their base in Zabul province July 15, while ANA Commandos disrupted insurgent activities in Kandahar province July 16.

During the July 15 attack, an unknown number of insurgents launched two separate small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenade and 107mm mortar round attacks with no injury to civilians, Afghan or Coalition forces. Both ANA and members of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan responded with indirect fire of various sizes, including Afghan-operated 60mm mortar systems.

"The Afghan National Army's ability to conduct defensive measures with their Coalition counterparts is a great step forward for the region," said Chief Petty Officer Jeremy L. Wood, CJSOTF-A spokesperson. "Their partnership with Coalition forces has enhanced their skills to protect the citizens of Naw Bahar."

There were no reports of injury or property damage as a result of the attack.

In neighboring Kandahar province, a team of Afghan Commandos operating in partnership with CJSOTF-A personnel, conducted an operation to disrupt insurgent activity in several villages and to clear the area of known weapons caches.

Three Commandos were wounded during the operation when an IED exploded. The Afghan-led force continued on with their mission locating an area littered with improvised explosive devices. The team cordoned off the area and called in Coalition close air support to destroy the IEDs in-place to protect the local villagers.

"There will be difficult times in the work ahead as we continue to build and maintain regional stability and support for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said a CJSOTF-A spokesperson.

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