Commandos, SOF Patrol Attacked by Insurgents in Badghis
NEWS RELEASE ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan  2010-04-CA-019  For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 6) - Commandos from the 4th Commando Kandak, assisted by Special Forces, were attacked while on patrol in Joy Koja village, Morghab district, Badghis Province today.   The combined force returned fire killing dozens of insurgents. During the nearly 12 hour battle, one Commando was killed, six were wounded and three Special Forces (SF) soldiers were wounded as well. No civilian casualties were reported.   The Afghan-led force was conducting a patrol to meet with local leaders to determine upcoming humanitarian assistance projects and provide a security assessment of the rural area when it came under small-arms and automatic weapons fires. A large group of approximately 50 insurgents continuously fired on the combined force from fortified positions from within the village.   In an effort to avoid civilian casualties, the combined team began clearing buildings and compounds the insurgents were firing from. During the clearing process, an intricate system of tunnels was discovered in addition to several large stockpiles of weapons, bomb-making materials and other equipment normally associated with terrorist activities.   While the partnered force provided medical treatment and transported wounded personnel from the area, an overwhelming number of insurgents continued to fire from cave entrances, various locations within the village and from high ground surrounding the area.   The Commando and SF patrol leaders requested air support to minimize further risk to the local community. Coalition aircraft dropped a number of precision-guided munitions on multiple insurgent locations.   Throughout the fight, Afghan and SF maintained contact with local government leaders who provided advice and support as well as backed the use of close air support.   "The 4th Commando Kandak and coalition forces are committed to protecting local communities in the Badghis province from insurgents who wish to destabilize the area," said Sgt 1st Class Andrew Kosterman, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan spokesman. "Though the insurgency attempts to gain ground through violence, fear and intimidation, we are dedicated to protecting and supporting the populace."