D1 010345Z TF SABER ENGAGES ACM OPERATING ILLEGAL CHECKPOINT VIC. GOWARDESH

At approx. 0345z, Wraith 46(UAV) observed six PAX crouching behind bushes just off the LOC IVO 42S YE 309 188. Wraith 46 continued observation of these PAX. They appeared to be setting up to operate an illegal checkpoint. At approx. 0500z, a vehicle driving north to south is stopped at the illegal checkpoint, and the vehicle is searched. The PAX then move up the mountain, to an observation/over-watch position on the opposite side of the ridgeline IVO 42S YE 312 186. Suspicious activity was observed from several of the PAX, to include multiple PAX lying in the prone, as well as muzzle flashes. At approx. 0735z, DUDE 01 engaged the PAX with 1 x GBU-12. This weapon was off target by approximately 100 meters. After surviving the GBU-12, the PAX ran SE toward the road, then began running NNW along the LOC, finally stopping at a cave/outcropping IVO 42S YE 3103 1886, at approx. 0740z. At 0806z, DUDE 01 engaged this position with one GBU-38. This weapon was on target but failed to destroy all the ACM fighters. At least four PAX were observed displacing from the cave in different directions. Observation of one fighter was lost completely. One fighter went NE along the LOC, while two fighters headed South together. These two fighters began to climb the mountain stopping beneath some trees IVO 42S YE 3109 1880. At approx. 0824z, DUDE 02 engaged these PAX with 2 x Airburst GBU-38s. Both weapons were on target and no movement was detected post strike. Wraith operator posted BDA in all was 2 ACM KIA and 4 ACM WIA. At 1004Z an unidentified HUMINT source reported to the ASG Commander at COP Kamu that ACM had been bombed by CF in the Gowardesh Area. Source stated that 2 ACM had been killed and 4 wounded. This report was given to the ASG Commander just outside COP Kamu with no US Personnel present for further questioning. NFTR