ISAF Joint Command Evening Operational Update June, 3 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-06-S-010
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (June 3, 2011)
In northern Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition force operation in Kajaki village led to the destruction of more than 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of black tar opium, worth more than $1.5 million and several insurgents killed, yesterday.

The operation was aimed at disrupting the local drug trade financing insurgent activity in the area. It was the most recent in a series of operations conducted in Kajki and led by Afghan security forces. 

After moving into the village, the combined force received small arms fire from insurgent held positions, according to a coalition forces advisor.

The combined team quickly repelled the fire and directed villagers into a compound for safety. The team then searched the village bazaar and discovered several large stockpiles of opium and other drug-making material.

One of the insurgents killed used a child as a human shield in an attempt to maneuver closer to the combined force, said a commando team leader. The child was later returned safely.

The combined force also found an IED and a small weapons cache located inside of a mosque. The device was safely detonated with no damage to the mosque.

“These insurgents are using this area to sell drugs and finance their illegal activities,” said an Afghan Commando who participated in the operation. “We have made a very strong impact on the insurgents’ ability to sell drugs and finance their activities in this region.”

No civilians were injured or damages were reported during the operation

The drugs have been destroyed by the security force.