RC- EAST

PAKTIA, Afghanistan (Nov. 10, 2011) — Afghan Uniformed Police repelled an insurgent attack on a district center in eastern Afghanistan Thursday, after a two hour gun battle.

Afghan police and U.S. forces killed between three and six insurgents.  An exact number is unclear, as rubble may still contain bodies.

"A suicide bomber blew up an explosives-laden vehicle at the gate of Chamkani district headquarters and then a group of militants, probably suicide attackers, tried to enter," said Abdul Rahman Mangal, the Paktia deputy provincial governor.

Insurgents attacked during a government meeting, using small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and suicide vests, that resulted in three Afghan police officers martyred and an additional three wounded.

The attack began at approximately 3:15 p.m., with insurgents continuing to fight after barricading themselves inside a mosque.  The battle ended at approximately 5 p.m. after a U.S. helicopter received permission from Afghan government officials to engage the insurgents. 

“This is the third failed insurgent attack within the last month.  They are getting more and more desperate.  That they would attack from a mosque shows what little regard they have for the Afghan people,” said U.S. Brig. Gen. Gary Volesky, deputy commander, Regional Command-East.  “The Afghan police demonstrated their continued capability to protect and fight for the citizens.”