• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 20 Enemy Fighters During Firefight

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, May 21, 2006 – Afghan and coalition forces killed 20 enemy fighters during a May 19 battle in southern Afghanistan, military officials here reported today.

Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials reported yesterday that a U.S. servicemember was killed and six others were wounded in the attack. A command statement today said seven U.S. servicemembers were wounded in the firefight in addition to the fatality.

About 50 fighters attempted to ambush a joint coalition force patrolling in the Cahar Cineh district in Uruzgan province, officials said. Afghan and coalition forces repelled the attack with small-arms fire, killing 20 enemy fighters.

All seven wounded U.S. servicemembers were evacuated to a coalition medical facility. Officials provided no information on their condition.

"Coalition and Afghan forces are well-trained and committed to the security and prosperity of the Afghan people and will not be defeated in combat," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76.

"This joint team fought with bravery and tenacity and took the fight to the enemy," he said. "My condolences to the family and comrades of the U.S. soldier killed in this fight. Their sacrifice for the safety and stability of the Afghan people will not be forgotten."

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/May2006/20060521_5185.html