A Battlefield Tourist

AGF Assault Multiple Bases in Eastern Afghanistan

May 13 at 8:08am by David Tate

Camp Salerno - 2004

Anti Government Forces (AGF) attacked three different Forward Operating Bases and assaulted a provincial center May 12 that left at least 16 AGF and nine civilians dead.

The US military says just afternoon three suicide bombers, one wearing an Afghan Security Forces uniform, stormed the governor’s compound in the former Taliban stronghold of Khowst (province is same name).  Two of the terrorists were killed by US and Afghan forces and were found wearing explosive vests.

Shortly after, a group of bombers attacked the municipal building a took several civilians hostage.  During the assault, one bomber was shot and killed.  However, two bombers blew themselves up inside the building.  US and Afghan forces then assaulted the building, killing two more AGF and freeing four hostages inside.

The entire engagement lasted just under five hours and seven civilians dead and 20 others wounded.  Six Afghan security members were injured as were three US service members.

Later that evening outside of Camp (FOB) Salerno, which lies adjacent to Khowst City, an IED exploded, injuring a number of civilians.  This story is still developing.

To the south in Paktika Province, AGF rocket teams launched a barrage of rockets at two Forward Operating Bases (Sharana and Rushmore).  During that attack, US counter-battery fire and nearby aircraft killed six AGF and two civilians.  Four other civilians were injured.  No US casualties were reported during this incident.