ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-01-S-213
For Immediate Release
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KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 19, 2011) — Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike on a Taliban command and control enemy fighting position after receiving heavy machine gun fire during an operation in Faryab province early today.

The joint security force was conducting a deliberate clearing operation in Qaisar district when they received effective heavy machine gun fire from fighting positions within a building located on the outskirts of Kwaji Kinti village.

There had also been extensive reporting that this building was being used as a Taliban command and control fortified position. The security force called in a precision air strike on the building to eliminate the enemy force and protect the populace after determining there were no civilians present and no other options or means of engagement existed to effectively counter the threat. The security force is still assessing the results of the strike.

“The Taliban have no regard for the safety and security of the Afghan people. As the result of an air strike, Taliban insurgents no longer have their safe haven where they are able to intimidate and endanger the lives of the villagers of Kwaji Kinti,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “These security operations pave the way for counterinsurgency efforts, which will eventually leave Afghans equipped to maintain their own security and governance without the fear of insurgent threats.”

The joint security force is continuing their efforts to disrupt enemy safe havens, where Taliban leaders use villages in northern Afghanistan to conduct operational planning and prepare for their attacks.

ISAF will provide updates as they become available.