BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, conducted a security patrol to disrupt insurgent activity near Surksang, Zabul Province, Afghanistan, March 11.
The patrol was attacked by a large group of insurgents from two different locations with small-arms, heavy-machine gun, and recoilless-rifle fire.  The ANSF force returned fire and precision close air support suppressed the enemy. After pursuing the retreating enemy, the ANSF found a weapons cache consisting of a recoilless rifle, three heavy machine guns and two other weapons.
“The cache was found as a result of the insurgents’ hasty retreat,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Coalition spokesperson.
The insurgents regrouped and began to fire 82 mm recoilless rifle rounds and small-arms at the combined forces. The ANSF responded with direct fire and precision air strikes eliminating the threat. Following the engagement, a motorcycle-based improvised explosive device and a recoilless rifle were found.
“At no time today did the enemy forces ever gain an edge on the ANSF,” Bowman said.