BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (August 22, 2008) – Afghan National Army Commandos and Coalition forces on patrol were ambushed by insurgents in the Shindand District of Herat province today.

The combined patrol was en route to a Taliban commander’s compound in an effort to detain him and other known insurgents in the area.

Insurgents engaged the soldiers from multiple points within the compound using small-arms and RPG fire. The combined force responded with integrated small-arms fire and an airstrike.

The ANA and Coalition forces killed 30 insurgents. Included in the casualties was Mullah Sadiq, a known Taliban commander.
 
A cache consisting of AK-47s, more than 4,000 rounds of ammunition, IED-making materials and other contraband was discovered.
 
Shindand District Sub-governor Mullah Lal Mohammed Khan, who saw the results of the operation and spoke with ANSF and Coalition commanders, said, “The cache and the total number of weapons recovered, along with the enemy killed convinced me that it was a good operation.” 

Two local nationals wounded in the crossfire during the mission were medically evacuated to a Coalition medical facility for treatment.

No other civilian or friendly casualties were reported.