KABUL, Afghanistan / Sep. 1, 2012 - ISAF conducted a recent successful Afghan and Australian partnered operation in Uruzgan. This operation, based on detailed intelligence, was launched in pursuit of insurgents responsible for the most recent insider attack that killed three Australian soldiers and wounded two. We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of these brave men who risked and gave their lives so that Afghanistan may have a better future. They are heroes. The operation was a partnered mission between coalition forces and Afghan National Security Forces, with the composition of two forces striking a nearly even balance. Operating shoulder to shoulder, the Afghan and coalition soldiers successfully captured a key facilitator who not only enabled the insider attack, but also was responsible for IED emplacement, and the kidnapping and murder of Afghan civilians. The operation was planned and executed in coordination with Afghan officials including approval by the Uruzgan provincial governor. ISAF and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan remain committed to the elimination of threats from insider attacks. -

Naweed Yousufi Army Freelance Journalist Kabul Afghanistan