INSURGENTS KILLED DURING ATTACK ON COALITION FORCES IN AFGHANISTAN

BAGRAM AIRBASE, Afghanistan – One Afghan National Police officer was killed and five ANP and six U.S. service members were wounded May 3 during an unprovoked attack from approximately 25 insurgents near Deh Chopan in Zabul Province.

The attack began when an Afghan man complained to Afghan National Police officers of being beaten by a group of unknown individuals. The man led the ANP and U.S. forces to the location of the beating where they came under small-arms fire.

Afghan National Army forces and U.S. Soldiers operating in the area quickly moved to the site and cordoned off the insurgent forces by use of small-arms fire and support from Coalition fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Battle-damage assessment is ongoing. Initial reports indicate approximately 20 insurgents were killed and one wounded. Six insurgents were detained and questioned. The village leader was also detained after villagers reported him as a Taliban member.

All wounded ANP and U.S. Soldiers were evacuated to Kandahar Airfield for medical treatment. They were reported in stable condition. Two U.S. wounded soldiers returned to duty and the remaining four soldiers will be transported to Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany for further treatment.

Coalition forces are meeting with local leaders to coordinate assistance to the village.

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