Ten militants killed, thirteen detain in Nangarhar and Khost Published Nov. 8, 2008 By United States Forces Afghanistan KABUL, Afghanistan -- Coalition forces killed ten armed militants and detained thirteen militants during multiple operations aimed at disrupting the Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks in Nangarhar and Khost provinces, Friday. In Acheen, a regional Taliban commander was the target of a Coalition forces operation which resulted in six armed militants being killed and ten suspected militants being detained. Intelligence suggest the commander is responsible for coordinating and directing improvised explosive device (IED), suicide, and other attacks against innocent civilians, GIRoA and Coalition forces in an effort to destabilize the region. As the force approached the compound, multiple groups of armed militants exited the buildings and attempted to maneuver on the force. One group took up fighting positions on a ridgeline and engaged the force with small-arms fire. Coalition forces engaged two groups of armed militants with precision, close-air support. Other groups of militants were not engaged by Coalition forces in an effort to protect potentially innocent civilians who may have been amongst them. A search of the compound revealed rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47s and other military style equipment. Twelve women and forty children were protected by the force during the operation. In Spera District, Coalition forces killed one militant and detained two while targeting a Haqqani militant, believed to coordinate and direct attacks against the government of Afghanistan and Coalition forces in Khost. During the operation the force came under direct fire from militant inside the compound. Coalition forces attempted to neutralize the threat by returning small-arms fire. Unable to do so and still under fire from the militants, the force used close-air support to protect the force. One armed militant was killed and one was wounded as a result of the strike. The wounded militant was treated by Coalition and will continue to be provided health care while being detained. A third suspected militant was detained without issue. In Sabari District, Coalition forces targeted a known Haqqani associate who supports and assists with the movement of foreign fighters into the region. He is also suspected of facilitating IED attacks in the region. As the force approached targeted militants, the militants failed to follow the directions from the force and displayed hostile intent. Realizing the threat, the force engaged the militants with small-arms fire killing three armed militants. One suspected militant complied with the force's instructions and was detained without incident.