Regional Command East
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan

GHAZNI, Afghanistan (July 31, 2011)– Members of 6th Commando Kandak conducted a clearing operation in the villages of Reza and Ghazi Kheyl, Gelan district, July 23, which resulted in the death of at least 20 insurgents.

The Commandos, assisted by coalition Special Operations Forces, conducted the clearing operation to decrease insurgent activity in the district and surrounding villages.

During the operation, villagers assisted the partnered force by pointing out insurgent locations and possible sites used by insurgents to launch attacks against Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces.

Insurgents conducted sporadic attacks on the partnered force as they conducted patrols through the area. The Commandos returned fire and called for close air support.

Following the operation, the Commandos met with village elders to discuss the purpose of the operation and ways to improve security in their area. According to coalition Special Operations team members, the elders expressed their support for the Commando-led operations and their desire to decrease insurgent activity in the area.

“This meeting was likely the most remarkable part of the operation, as elders knew as soon as the partnered force arrived in their village there would be a firefight. In spite of the danger, the Ghazi Kheyl elders sat down with the partnered elements to discuss security problems and development,” said a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan.

No civilian casualties were reported as a result of this operation.