BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces and Coalition forces conducted a series of continuous offensive operations May 17 and 18 across eastern and southern Afghanistan killing and capturing numerous Taliban extremists, maintaining relentless pressure on insurgent forces.
Afghan National Police and Coalition forces killed a reported 60 enemy fighters and captured 20 during a battle in the village of Musa Qalah in Helmand Province May 17. The joint force pursued the fighters after receiving reports of a large enemy force moving from Musa Qalah. Sixteen ANP were killed and 20 wounded in the conflict.
“Extremists terrorized the town of Musa Qalah overnight setting fires and attacking government agencies,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, commander, Combined Joint Task Force – 76. “The ANP rapidly responded to drive them out with great success. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 16 brave police officers who sacrificed their lives defending the people of Musa Qalah.”
In a separate operation in the Bahrami District of Ghazni Province, ANP and Coalition forces engaged approximately 30 extremists with small arms and mortar fire in the village of Godale Shamshir in Ghazni Province May 18. One ANP and one enemy combatant were killed in the firefight.
During the engagement, Coalition attack aircraft provided close-air support and conducted strikes on enemy positions.
“Afghan national security forces are seeking out and destroying the extremists who threaten the Afghan people and who stand in the way of growth and progress,” Freakley added. “There will be no sanctuary afforded the enemy and no respite.”
Taliban extremists have claimed a spring offensive in southern Afghanistan , but Afghan and Coalition forces have clearly demonstrated they have seized and maintained the initiative, and are capable of conducting simultaneous combat operations throughout the country where ever the enemy attempts to move, said Coalition officials.