ANSF, Coalition forces disrupt militant activities in Helmand Published Nov. 27, 2008 By U.S. Forces Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces killed seven militants today and uncovered three caches containing drugs and improvised explosive device-making materials during a clearing operation in Nahr Surkh District, Helmand province. Militants fired on ANSF and Coalition forces with machine-gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. ANSF and Coalition forces responded with small-arms and supporting fires, killing seven. ANSF and Coalition forces searched the area and found a cache of bombing-making materials that included control wire, metal and homemade explosives; a cache of 12 mortar rounds; and a cache of 175 pounds of opium, which was destroyed. During the operation, the combined forces protected more than 300 local villagers from enemy fire. No ANSF, Coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported. "The bottom line is that joint operations like this save innocent Afghan lives as well as increase the capabilities of Afghan National Security Forces," said Col. Jerry O'Hara, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman.