Joint Force Operation Targets Al Qaeda Leader
NEWS RELEASE ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan  2010-03-CA-059  For Immediate Release

 KABUL, Afghanistan (March 13) - An Afghan-international security force conducted an operation targeting militants while pursuing an al Qaeda commander in a rural area of the Asmar district of Kunar province early this morning.   When the unit approached the compound they conducted a call-out for the militants to peacefully surrender. Shortly after the call-out, the joint force received fire from militants in a nearby compound.   The joint patrol returned fire killing six militants, all of whom were apparently foreign fighters. Initial reports are that a woman was also killed during the cross fire. A thorough, joint investigation is being conducted.   A search of the compound revealed several automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition and a landmine. ISAF takes every precaution to minimize civilian casualties.