DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 374/09
Thursday, 5 November 2009
SPECIAL FORCES STRIKE INSURGENT STRONGHOLD
Australian Special Forces have maintained pressure on the Taliban insurgency through
striking and disrupting key insurgent strongholds. These strongholds have been
responsible for the distribution of arms, ammunition, equipment and fighters across
southern Afghanistan.
The operation, conducted in mid October by the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG),
Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and other coalition forces resulted in the seizure
of weapons, improvised explosive devices (IED) and IED components, and large
quantities of munitions.
The subsequent destruction of these munitions means they can no longer be used against
the local Afghan population and coalition forces.
The raid also recovered stolen Afghan Army uniforms, medical kits, communications
equipment and around 100 kg of opium resin, a key source of funding for the insurgency
throughout Afghanistan.
The Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major-General Mark Kelly,
said the success of this operation will have a positive impact on the security of the civilian
population and of ANSF and coalition forces across southern Afghanistan.
“This stronghold has, until now, provided a secure base area from which to sustain the
insurgency throughout southern Afghanistan,” said Major General Kelly.
“What this operation says very clearly to the insurgency is that it doesn’t matter where
you are, we can find you, and strike you.”
Major-General Kelly said the complex operation was well supported by coalition partners
and its success reflects the excellent operational cooperation the SOTG has with the
ANSF and other coalition forces.
“It also highlights our commitment to using the full suite of our Special Forces to protect
the local population, ADF elements and to work in partnership with other coalition
forces.”
Imagery is available on the Defence website at:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
