BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan and Coalition forces conducted an operation Monday to disrupt Taliban extremist operations in Helmand Province.
 The combined team of Afghan and Coalition forces searched compounds in the Nahr Surkh district targeting militants associated with Taliban extremists and foreign fighter facilitators reported to be operating in the area. 
 While searching one of the compounds in the area, Afghan and Coalition forces came under small-arms fire from several militants. Using a combination of defensive return fire and hand grenades, Afghan and Coalition forces quelled the militants’ attacks, killing several in the process.  During one engagement, a militant was killed when he fired on the combined force from a barricaded room in one of the compound’s buildings. In another engagement, several other militants were killed while firing on the combined force from another building on the compound. 
There were no immediate indications of injuries or deaths to civilians not taking part in hostilities.
 During a post-hostilities assessment, the combined force found a weapons cache consisting of several AK-47s, rocket propelled grenades and explosives. The weapons cache was destroyed on-site to prevent further use by militant forces.
“With each successful mission Afghan and Coalition forces are breaking the intricate links that comprise extremist forces’ networks,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.