More than 20 Insurgents Killed in Haqqani Clearing Operation
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-158  For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 14) - An Afghan and coalition security force killed more than 20 armed insurgents, including Arab, Chechen and Pakistani fighters, during the latest deliberate clearing operation against Haqqani Network foreign fighters camps and safe havens in Dzadran district of Paktiya province.   The clearing operation focused on disrupting the Haqqani Network's freedom of movement in an area used to stage the network's attacks into Kabul and the Khost-Gardez pass. When the security force began the operation Wednesday, dozens of insurgents occupied entrenched fighting positions thoughout the mountainous area, preparing to engage the security force with machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons. An air weapons team suppressed the enemy resulting in more than 20 insurgents killed the first night. Combined security forces on the ground continued their operations, discovering and destroying multiple improvised explosive devices and IED components including trip wire and blasting caps. Additionally, they found two 82mm mortar systems with dozens of mortar rounds, a recoilless rifle, multiple grenades and a heavy machine gun. Coalition forces also conducted a precision air strike against an enemy ammunitions bunker, preventing it from future use.   "The Haqqani Network continually seeks to establish strongholds in the K-G Pass, disrupting the local government and facilitating the movement of foreign fighters, explosives and weapons into Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.   "This joint force operation is another successful blow against the Haqqani Network as coalition forces work to dismantle this terrorist organization and bring peace to the area."