The raids were part of ongoing, coordinated efforts to eliminate al-Qaeda operations in the Al Anbar region west of Baghdad.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Enemy extremists attacked Afghan National Security and Coalition forces in the Kajaki District in Helmand Province Sunday night, but the attack was repelled, forcing the enemy to retreat.
Coalition aircraft then tracked the more than 30 enemy fighters where they gathered at a known Taliban compound in the village of Kajaki Sofla and destroyed it with close air support. No civilian casualties were observed during the early Sunday morning operation.
Several news reports mistakenly reported that this attack occurred today around 10 a.m, Monday. The strike actually occurred early Sunday evening around 8 p.m. There have been no air strikes in Kajaki District today.
The target of the strike was a courtyard on the compound. There have been media reports that a mosque was hit in the strike. However, the Coalition has no reports or other information to substantiate that claim.
During the past week, enemies of Afghanistan have claimed responsibility for several attacks that injured civilians and government officials.
“Afghan National Army and Coalition forces will continue to mount a decisive campaign against Taliban and other enemy fighters who bring harm to the Afghan people,” said Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force – 76 spokesman. “Taliban and anti-government leaders have two choices - reconcile with the Afghan government and its people or face elimination.”
Here is what happened with the vehicle crash that started all that rioting:
A Coalition vehicle convoy heading through Kabul this morning was involved in a serious multi-vehicle accident at a busy intersection just outside downtown Kabul .
The accident occurred at about 8 a.m. this morning when a large cargo truck apparently experienced a mechanical failure, striking as many as 12 civilian vehicles. Initial reports were that one civilian was killed and at least six injured in the accident.
U.S. soldiers at the scene immediately provided medical assistance to the injured. The injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Afghan national security forces also reported to the accident scene.
When the gathering crowd became hostile, the Coalition vehicles attempted to move out of the area to reduce tensions. A second military convoy came to help the first convoy, and they departed the area taking the damaged vehicle with them. Afghan security forces remained to handle crowd control.
The Coalition is conducting a full investigation regarding this incident. There have been reports of gunfire at the scene. There are indications that at least one Coalition military vehicle fired warning shots over the crowd. We will determine the facts regarding the incident and cooperate fully with Afghan authorities.
In accordance with appropriate polices, compensation will be paid to those who are entitled. At this time, we are still determining the facts of what happened, but we will provide updates as soon as that information is available.
This was a tragic incident and we deeply regret any deaths or injuries resulting from this incident.
Although this incident is very regrettable, the Coalition remains committed to working together with the people of Afghanistan to build a better future.
So now you see what the real problem is. You don't get the full story from the MSM. You only get bits and pieces. If you knew the whole tory on many of these things you might actually realize things are not as the MS would have you believe. Read for yourself and make up your own mind... By the way do you know the name of the Solider killed in the same VBIED attack that killed the camera crew and injured the other news reporter? I didn't think so, FYI its.......
