AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition offensives continued to maintain pressure on Taliban extremists this morning, striking a second blow to enemy leaders in southern Afghanistan.The Coalition first reported a senior Taliban commander killed during offensive operations last night.
Then, during the early morning hours today, Coalition forces used close-air support to destroy an insurgent headquarters in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, killing a second known Taliban commander and one subordinate.
“We conducted an air assault into the known enemy compound following the air strike to gather intelligence,” said Army Maj Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of the Coalition’s Combined Joint Task Force – 76. “Once our ground forces seized the objective, we confirmed that two Taliban were killed, and we captured two terrorists. These extremists offer nothing to the people of Afghanistan but violence, intimidation and fear.”
There were no injuries to civilians, Coalition forces or the Afghan National Army forces that participated in the operation.
The operational-level terrorist leader promoted fear and intimidation and was directly tied to attacks on Afghan civilians and government officials. He was also linked to several improvised explosive device attacks targeting Afghan civilians, government security forces and Coalition forces in the region.
“Afghan and Coalition forces have the initiative, and we will continue to conduct offensive operations in southern Afghanistan to disrupt and destroy Taliban leaders and their cohorts so long as they pose a security threat to the people of Afghanistan,” Freakley said.
Coalition forces are confident that Taliban extremists in southern Afghanistan can be located, targeted and destroyed. This operation demonstrates the growing strength and capability of Afghan National Security Forces – partnered with Coalition forces – to systematically improve the security and stability of Afghanistan.