ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-08-S-037

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 14, 2011) – An Afghan and coalition combined security force killed two Haqqani network insurgents and detained seven suspected insurgents during a security operation in Zurmat district, Paktiya province.
The target of this operation was a Haqqani leader who conducts, coordinates, and directs roadside bomb and indirect fire attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in the district.
While containing the targeted location, the combined security force received heavy machinegun fire from the two insurgents who were barricaded nearby. The force responded with small arms fire, which escalated as the insurgents continued with an onslaught of heavy fire. Finally, as a force protection measure, the security team called in airstrikes to neutralize the insurgents barricaded in the compound. Two insurgents were killed as a result. After the engagement, the security force confiscated two Russian PK machineguns from the deceased insurgents.
Reports from locals, following the engagement, indicated the insurgents had been repeatedly harassing citizens throughout the day. Additionally, they added, the insurgents forcibly removed the owner and his family from the compound, which the insurgents later used as a barricaded fighting position.