Photo: 1st Infantry Division Cavalry Scouts Search Unexplored Terrain

Photo by Staff Sgt. David Hopkins

Army Sgt. Levi Bradstream pulls security as Spc. Anthony Janda comes up an ancient trail over a mountain in Afghanistan's northeastern province of Kunar. Bradstream, and infantryman, and Janda, a medic, both serve with C Troop, 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The troops were patrolling the area to search for caves and enemy passages on the mountain, from which they had been receiving enemy contact. (Click photo to enlarge.)

05.25.2009

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Forces destroyed two tons of pure heroin yesterday, during operations in eastern Afghanistan.

Security forces discovered the heroin, with a local value of approximately $3,000,000 US, after searching a suspicious vehicle. The narcotics were confiscated during ongoing operations, and were subsequently destroyed by ISAF.

This incident once again demonstrates the resolve of Afghan security forces, ISAF, and coalition forces to target the illegal narcotics industry that finances the insurgency.

Funds gathered from the narcotics trade encourage corruption, and pay for the weapons and explosives that insurgents use to kill innocent civilians, ANSF, ISAF and coalition forces.

This latest success in the fight against the illegal narcotics industry, follows coalition forces recent seizing of significant quantities of drugs following operations in the Marjah area of Helmand province.

05.22.2009

WASHINGTON - Coalition and Afghan troops have killed nearly 50 militants, detained three and seized drugs in ongoing operations in Afghanistan this week.

In an update published today, military officials reported that Afghan commandos and coalition forces have killed 47 militants, including 13 in air strikes this morning, during ongoing operations in Helmand province.

The combined forces launched the joint operation in the city of Marjeh in the province's Nad Ali District on May 19 to disrupt activities in a key militant stronghold and narcotics hub. Over the past four days, troops have seized bomb-making materials, weapons and hundreds of thousands of pounds of narcotics, military officials said.

"This will have a significant financial and logistical impact on the insurgency in southern Afghanistan," said U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman Army Col. Greg Julian. "The commandos have done a phenomenal job and far exceeded the expectation for this operation."

Combined forces killed one person and detained three others in an operation in Helmand province today.

During a raid on a compound in Lashkar Gah, where intelligence indicated militants were located, troops encountered a man attempting to flee. Military officials said he ignored repeated warnings and maneuvered on troops, who killed him. Forces detained three suspects in the operation.

In a joint operation, May 20, combined forces killed the top militant commander in the Andar District of Ghazni province, military officials said.

Abdul Baki, who was heavily armed with rifles and hand grenades, attacked the Afghan police with small-arms fire as they entered his residence. Baki wounded one coalition forces member before being killed.

"The [Afghan national police's] termination of this commander will significantly decrease the ability of the militants in Ghazni to carry out their crimes against humanity," a coalition spokesman said.

Baki commanded a cell of 20 to 30 fighters responsible for attacks against coalition and Afghan forces and government officials. During the operation, troops discovered 50 voter registration cards Baki had stolen from villagers ahead of the upcoming August election, military officials said.

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