Regional Command North
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan

BAGHLAN, Afghanistan (July 25, 2011)– Members of 2nd Company, 5th Commando Kandak, conducted a clearing operation which resulted in the detention of an insurgent commander and discovery of multiple caches in Tangi Murch village, Burka district, July 20.

The Commandos, advised by coalition Special Operations Forces, conducted the clearing operation to reduce insurgent attacks against the local population and Afghan National Security Forces in the area.

As the partnered force conducted an initial reconnaissance of the village, they came under insurgent attack, which resulted in three enemy deaths and one wounded Commando. During the operation, the combined forces discovered an insurgent commander, who was then taken into custody.

They also discovered a weapons cache, which consisted of materials to make improvised explosives devices, two AK-47s, 30 pounds of homemade explosives, three pressure plates, a battery pack and 100 rounds of machine gun ammunition. The items were moved to a ditch and destroyed.

The destruction of multiple caches in the area disrupted insurgents’ abilities to develop an emerging threat against government officials, said a coalition SOF team leader.

No civilians were harmed or property was damaged during the operation.