Coalition helicopters destroy militant mortar teams

Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan (July 5, 2008) -- Coalition forces killed more than a dozen militants following an attack on a combat outpost in Nuristan province yesterday afternoon.

Ground forces at the combat outpost observed militants firing at friendly positions. Ground forces defended themselves with small arms-fire.  The insurgents then entered two vehicles and began travelling away from the firing position.

Ground forces called Coalition attack helicopters for support.

The helicopter crews coordinated with ground forces to positively identify the militants’ vehicles.

The attack helicopters then destroyed the two vehicles, killing more than a dozen militants.

The attack helicopters engaged no other targets.

There are no official reports of non-combatant injuries or casualties.

We are aware through media reports that there are allegations of civilian casualties. We are engaging with Afghan officials on this matter.