Regional Command South
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force
Release # 073

URUZGAN, Afghanistan (July 29, 2011)  – Afghan Commandos and a combined team of Afghan National Security Forces responded unilaterally to insurgent attacks in Tarin Kowt resulting in two suicide bombers killed in action and ten hostages freed, July 28.

Coordinated attacks occurred at the Uruzgan provincial governor's compound, the provincial police headquarters, and a radio station located near the Tarin Kowt city center.

"The insurgents were equipped with suicide vests and rocket propelled grenades," said Major Safiulla Nijrabi, Executive Officer of the 8th Commando Kandak. "But we were prepared to quickly and effectively secure the premises where the attackers were."

Nijrabi said a total of 40 Commandos were dispatched into the city of Tarin Kowt as part of a quick reaction force, where they began to take charge of the situation by killing insurgent fighters and freeing hostages without causing further suffering or casualties to local citizens.

"My guys went into a burning building to save the local citizens," said Nijrabi. "I could not be more proud of them."

After sustaining no Commando casualties, Nijrabi believes that the Commando's have earned the respect and trust of the citizens in Tarin Kowt.
 
"We showed the people that we are going to stand against insurgent threats, because we take our duties very seriously," said Nijrabi. "Nothing makes me more proud than to know that we help protect the citizens of Afghanistan."