Commando Led Combined Operation Leads to Over $1.5 Million in Drugs Destroyed

                         

A coalition special operations team member scans an area for insurgent activity as a UH-60 Blackhawk provides air support during an operation to destabilize insurgent drug trade in Kajaki village June 2. During the operation, more than 1,000 lbs of black tar opium were destroyed by the Afghan led force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Whitney)

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Release #014

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – An Afghan Commando-led operation in Kajaki village in northern Helmand province led to the destruction of more than 1,000 pounds of black tar opium, worth more than $1.5 million, and 4 insurgents killed in action, June 2.

The operation was aimed at disrupting the local drug trade financing insurgent activity in the area. It was the most recent in a series of operations conducted in Kajki and led by Afghan National Security Forces.

After moving into the village, the combined force received small arms fire from insurgent held positions, according to a coalition Special Operations advisor.

The combined team quickly repelled the fire and directed villagers into a compound for safety.

The team then searched the village bazaar and discovered several large stockpiles of opium and other drug-making material, said the coalition Special Operations advisor. The drugs were later destroyed on the scene by the Commando-led force.

One of the four insurgents killed used a child as a human shield in an attempt to maneuver closer to the combined force, said a Commando team leader.

The child was later returned safely. Commandos also found an Improvised Explosive Device and a small weapons cache located inside of a mosque. The device was safely detonated with no damage to the mosque or injuries to coalition personnel, according to a Commando team leader.

“These insurgents are using this area to sell drugs and finance their illegal activities,” said an Afghan Commando who participated in the operation. “We have made a very strong impact on the insurgents’ ability to sell drugs and finance their activities in this region.”

No civilians were injured or property damage was reported during the operation.

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