RELEASE NUMBER: 070807-08
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 7, 2007

ANAP, Coalition forces defeat enemy ambush in Sangin

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Courtesy of CJTF-82 PAO, Aug. 7, 2007) – Afghan National Auxillary Police officers, advised by Coalition forces, defeated an attempted ambush by insurgents while conducting a combat patrol 10 kilometers north of Sangin District Center, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, today.

The ANAP-led force was patrolling the area in their continuing effort to rid the area of Taliban when the attack, by an estimated squad sized element, occurred.  The Taliban, utilizing the vast wadi system on the western side of the Helmand River, attacked the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan forces with small arms, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and 107 mm rockets.  During the attempted ambush they reinforced their fighting positions with an estimated 30 additional fighters.  

The ANAP repelled the attempted ambush with small arms and machine gun fire and then coordinated Coalition close air support to destroy the enemy positions.  Coalition aircraft engaged on the wadi system, a bunker and a vehicle.  The strike on the vehicle caused a large secondary explosion, which suggested it was laden with explosives or ordnance to be used in the battle.

After their vehicle was destroyed, insurgents attempted to retreat into a small building.  A precision Coalition air strike destroyed the building along with a few insurgent leaders, a half dozen fighters, and a large amount of ammunition and weapons inside.

More than two dozen insurgents were killed in the failed ambush attempt, while there were no ANAP or Coalition forces killed or wounded.  No civilian casualties or collateral damage was observed by the combined force.

“Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces will remain devoted to reducing insurgent elements in Helmand,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Combined Joint Task Force- 82 spokesperson.  “As we continue to clear violent extremist fighters from The Musa Qalah area, we expect them to increase their efforts to resist.  This futile hope of success will only speed up the ultimate defeat they face”  

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