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Operation Mountain Thrust Continues Momentum in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, June 19, 2006 – Coalition forces killed two enemy fighters and captured five others in Afghanistan's Zabul province yesterday as Operation Mountain Thrust continued, military officials reported.

"We're going to continue putting heavy pressure on insurgent sanctuaries and known areas of operation in order to rid this country of those who seek only to destroy and prevent progress," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76.

"These offensive operations provide the foundation for follow-on operations to strengthen good governance in the region, improve security and enable reconstruction and economic development," the general said.

In addition to disrupting enemy operations, Mountain Thrust will help to set conditions for NATO's International Security Assistance Force to take responsibility for southern Afghanistan later this summer, officials said.

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2006/20060619_5451.html