Europa Newswire.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Dallas Edwards.
KABUL, Afghanistan - More than 25 ISAF and Afghan
national security force personnel were killed or wounded during a joint
operation that involved multiple engagements over several hours Nov. 7
in western Afghanistan. ISAF and Afghan forces were conducting search
operations for two missing U.S. Army Soldiers. The Soldiers went
missing on Nov. 4 while attempting to recover airdropped supplies from
a river in western Afghanistan.
In the course of search operations, the joint force was engaged by
enemy forces. Reports indicate five ISAF service members from the
United States were wounded in action. Reports also indicate four Afghan
soldiers and three Afghan police were killed in action.
Additionally,15 Afghan soldiers and two Afghan police officers were reported wounded.
One Afghan civilian working with the Afghan National Army was killed and another was wounded.
"We are saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained during this
very important mission," said U.S. Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, IJC
spokesperson.
ISAF and Afghan authorities are currently investigating whether some of
the casualties were caused by ISAF close air support. The operation is
ongoing, and additional information will be provided when appropriate.
This is an update to IJC News Release 2009-11-CA-018 ISAF Forces Injured While Conducting Search Operations.
