Afghan, ISAF Forces Defeat Insurgents in Zabul
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents in the Deh Chopan district of Zabul province Friday when insurgents attacked the combined force with small-arms fire.
The attack came only minutes after the combined force had met with villagers as part of an engagement initiative to build relationships and increase awareness of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s goals and objectives.
The combined force received machine gun and AK-47 fire from an unknown number of insurgents in multiple firing positions. The combined force returned fire and called in close air support to drop precision guided munitions on the insurgent firing positions. Several insurgents were killed in the engagement, while others fled the scene.
“One of the goals of international forces is to disrupt Taliban and insurgent activities, destroying their safe havens, and then enhancing security, governance, and development,” said Maj. Paul Oliver, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan spokesperson.
Many rural areas of Afghanistan have never known centralized governance, and lack basic social services and infrastructure. Coalition officials said they will continue to partner with Afghan Security forces to enhance development in rural areas and increase connections with the central government.