ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2010-09-CA-146 For Immediate Release

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KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 15) - An Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents in Nangarhar province last night during the force's continued pursuit of a Taliban improvised explosive device expert who specializes in advanced IED devices.

When the security force approached the targeted compound southeast of Gandomak in Sherzad district, several armed insurgents hiding in a tree line fired at them. The security force returned fire. When the gunfire subsided, the security force searched the area and discovered three insurgents, armed with multiple weapons, had been killed. A minor, who was with the group of insurgents, was also killed in the engagement.

"The targeted individual was linked to multiple IED attacks and is highly sought by insurgent leadership for his expertise in creating sophisticated and lethal IEDs," said U.S. Air Force Col. James Dawkins, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Afghan and coalition forces do not intentionally target minors and we take these incidents very seriously.

The security force always exercises extreme measures to avoid injuring innocent civilians, but insurgents continuously take actions that place them at risk. While every soldier has a right to self defense, we greatly regret these incidents."