BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 11, 2008) – Several militants were killed and 12 were detained Tuesday during a Coalition forces operation to disrupt militant operations in Paktika province.  The operation also resulted in four civilian deaths and one civilian injury.

Coalition forces searched compounds in Mata Khan District targeting two militant leaders.  One targeted militant is known to have facilitated IED attacks against Afghan government and Coalition forces, and the other is involved in foreign fighter operations.

Coalition forces were engaged by a militant element from outside one of the compounds and responded with an air strike, killing the attacking militants and a woman who was located with them or nearby.  Several armed militants engaged the force from inside one compound and were killed with small-arms fire. 

During the operation, Coalition forces were fired upon by an unknown number of militants from a barricaded room.  When Coalition forces forcibly gained entry to the barricaded room, three Afghan women and one boy were wounded.  Coalition forces treated their injuries on site, and then evacuated the four and an adult male escort to a Coalition hospital for further treatment.  Two women and the boy later died of their injuries.

Coalition forces discovered multiple rocket launchers, rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47’s, grenades, ammunition vests, ammunition and other weapons in the compounds and hidden in a vehicle on the premises.  These items were destroyed to prevent future use.