ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 18, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan  2011-04-S-052 For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (April 18, 2011) – Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 10 Taliban insurgents after conducting a precision airstrike and security operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province, yesterday.  The operation was conducted to capture a Taliban leader in the district. The leader is the senior governing official for Taliban operations in the district and he maintains ties to most of the senior leadership in Kunduz, Baghlan and Takhar provinces.  A combined Afghan and coalition security force targeted a mud hut in the district after observing multiple insurgents move into the suspected hideout. The security force isolated the hut and called for all occupants to exit.  After the insurgents failed to respond to the continuous series of call-outs in multiple languages, the force initiated escalation of force procedures. The security force continued with an extended series of escalation procedures, however the insurgents remained resistant.  The combined security force subsequently moved to clear the hut. While conducting the initial clearance, they found the group of insurgents taking cover in an underground bunker in the hut. The force called for all individuals to exit the bunker. The insurgents instead engaged the force, prompting them to fall back and call for air support.  After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike on the bunker, resulting in numerous insurgents killed.  While preparing to exit the area, the Afghan and coalition force was engaged by an armed insurgent. They returned fire, killing the individual.