name: Force Conducts Deliberate Clearing Operation in Kandahar
text: Force Conducts Deliberate Clearing Operation in Kandahar
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-289  For Immediate Release Download PDF KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 26) - Afghan and coalition forces conducted another multi-day deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement outside Kandahar City, Friday and Saturday. During the operation, at least five insurgents were killed.  The joint security force is continuing their efforts to disrupt enemy safe havens in Kandahar province. This operation focused on an area east of the village of Ghundey Kalay in Zharay district. Taliban leaders use villages throughout the district to plan, coordinate and execute attacks along Highway 1, also known as Ring Road.  Previous operations uncovered and secured areas plagued with improvised explosive devices and insurgent fighting positions.  "Afghan and coalition forces are repeatedly hitting the insurgents in their backyard - allowing them no time to regroup," U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director, said.  "The ultimate goal is to disrupt the enemy's sanctuaries and staging areas for attacks into Kandahar City so that the people of Kandahar City can continue their efforts building security and more importantly, re-building their lives without the Taliban threat."  The joint force encountered heavy enemy contact, including rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun, recoilless rifle and small arms fire. At least five insurgents were killed during several engagements. No Afghan or coalition forces were killed or wounded during the operation.