Precision Strike Kills Militants In Afghanistan

Precision Coalition Strike Kills Several Militants in Afghanistan

Several militants were killed during a coalition operation yesterday targeting Taliban command-and-control networks in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Coalition forces conducted a precision-guided munitions strike targeting a senior Taliban commander believed to be involved in the March kidnapping of Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo, his interpreter and his driver.

Reports indicate the individual also is responsible for a number of mortar attacks on coalition bases, as well as several improvised-explosive-device attacks.

During the course of operations, coalition forces targeted a vehicle in the Musa Qaleh district containing five men, one of whom intelligence reports indicated to be a senior Taliban commander. A supporting aircraft released a precision-guided munition, destroying the vehicle and killing the occupants.

There were no immediate indications of injuries or deaths to civilians not taking part in hostilities.

"Coalition forces are systematically destroying the Taliban's command and control over their extremist networks," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

ENDS

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