BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 15, 2008) – Several militants were killed during a Coalition forces operation Saturday in Helmand province targeting a Taliban leader and weapon smuggler.

The target of the operation was a known militant leader in the Garmser District responsible for smuggling weapons into the area.

Coalition forces identified several different militant elements during the operation.  Groups of armed militants maneuvered against and engaged the force.  Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing the militants.

On multiple occasions groups of militants engaged the force from defensive positions within separate compounds.  Coalition forces responded with a combination of small-arms fire and air strikes.

During their search, Coalition forces discovered multiple AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition vests and ammunition.  Also discovered were several caches of narcotics, estimated to total 250 pounds, and a vehicle being used by the militants.  The weapons, drugs and vehicle were destroyed.