Posted on 08/13/2009 4:45:05 PM PDT by SandRat
KABUL, Aug. 13, 2009 – Afghan soldiers, aided by NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, captured suspected Taliban fighters Aug. 11 in the Sayed Abad district of eastern Afghanistan’s Wardak province.
Based on a local resident’s tip, Task Force Spartan, under the lead of Afghan soldiers, searched a location in the Tangi Valley. The force captured two suspected insurgents known for bomb-making production, and two alleged accomplices.
The two insurgents are suspected of being involved in several homemade bomb attacks on Afghan and ISAF troops, including multiple attacks in Wardak province’s Sayed Abad district in June.
The joint force also found bomb-making materials, including a large amount of coiled copper wire.
The four suspects tested positive for handling explosive materials. The force turned the suspects over to the Afghan government.
“These suspected insurgents were taken into custody with the help of local Afghans, willing to help rid their village of those who wish to harm their people,” said Army Lt. Col. Steven Osterholzer, Task Force Spartan spokesman. “This is a good example of locals helping locals, and taking responsibility for their own safety,”
The Afghan civilian who provided the tip was rewarded through the U.S. Department of Defense Rewards Program. This program, which began in 2003, offers rewards to local Afghans who provide tips and information on insurgents and insurgent activity. Program use has increased in the past year, officials said, which has improved the location and removal of weapons caches and insurgent activity throughout Regional Command East.
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
BTW, Fox was reporting on this or a similar operation today, and indicated that the Afghan army is a "work in progress" which is causing problems for our military. I hope our military is careful but not discouraged by this; no army is any near as good as ours, but it can be successful with time and training. We pray for the safety of our troops, and the success of their mission.
BTW, Fox was reporting on this or a similar operation today, and indicated that the Afghan army is a "work in progress" which is causing problems for our military. I hope our military is careful but not discouraged by this; no army is any near as good as ours, but it can be successful with time and training. We pray for the safety of our troops, and the success of their mission.
Oops. Sorry for the double post. Finger twitch.
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