Coalition Provides Update on Azizi Operations

This article is a press release (number 06-05-02P) from CENTCOM.mil. It was released today, Monday, May 22, 2006.

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted a significant operation early this morning in the Kandahar region near the village of Azizi that resulted in the unconfirmed deaths of possibly up to 80 Taliban members.

This was the third such operation in this area within a week whereby Coalition forces, in support of the Government of Afghanistan, have confronted and attacked anti-government forces.

The purpose of this morning’s operation was to detain individuals suspected of terrorist and anti-Afghanistan activities. However, during the operation, Coalition forces encountered organized armed opposition.

Ground and close air support assets engaged the extremists, who were firing on Coalition troops and endangering innocent civilians.

The Coalition only targeted armed resistance, compounds and buildings known to harbor extremists. Coalition forces must retain their ability to defend against fire emanating from known enemy positions.

Initial assessments have confirmed 20 Taliban killed with an unconfirmed 60 additional Taliban casualties.

Five Taliban have also been detained and are being questioned regarding their participation in terrorist activities.

"We have taken this fight directly to the extremists who threaten the future progress of the people of Afghanistan ,” said Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force – 76 spokesman. "Coalition forces are aware of media reports of civilian casualties and are continuing to review assessments from ground elements in the region.”

The extremists killed this morning were active members of the Taliban network who conducted attacks against Coalition and Afghan forces as well as civilians. Additionally, they have conducted attacks against Afghan government officials and continue collecting materials used in improvised explosive device construction and employment. Such activities often result in the death and injury of Afghans and of members of the international community here to assist Afghans in Afghan reconstruction.

Great job, guys. Thank you for all you do. Stay safe, and keep your powder dry...

Category: Military and News.