Afghan operation leaves 16 militants dead

MARJEH, Afghanistan, May 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Forces in Afghanistan said Thursday 16 militants have been killed and a cache of drugs and weapons has been located as part of an ongoing operation.

The U.S. Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office said in a news release that during the last 24 hours alone, the military operation in Afghanistan's Helmand province has uncovered more than 33,000 pounds of various high-grade narcotics as well as heroin-refining products.

The operation in the city of Marjeh by Afghan National Army Commandos and coalition forces also resulted in the discovery of a cache of military weapons, including 10 rocket-propelled grenades and six mortars.

Bomb-making materials were also found as a result of the military operation, which has resulted in the deaths of a total of 34 militants during its entire run.

While details of possible military casualties were not reported, the public affairs office confirmed no civilians were killed due to the operation.

"The Afghan commandos have dealt a significant blow to the insurgents," said Col. Greg Julian, spokesman for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. "They hit them where it hurts the most -- in a main command node and in the wallet."