Italian PRT repels insurgent attack in W Afghanistan

 Afghan and coalition forces repelled an attack on the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) headquarters in Herat district, Herat province in west Afghanistan on Monday, a news release form NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Tuesday.

Several insurgents attacked the PRT headquarters with a vehicle- borne improvised explosive device and small arms fire in an attempt to enter the compound, according to the statement obtained by Xinhua.

"Afghan and coalition forces positively identified the insurgent positions and returned fire, killing several insurgents, " it said.

Several ISAF service members were wounded during the attack. " They were evacuated to an ISAF medical facility and are receiving medical attention," the statement said.

"Once again the Afghan security forces were able to quickly respond and repel an insurgent attack preventing serious loss of life," the statement quotes Lt. Col. Mark Wenham, ISAF Joint Command (IJC) spokesman as saying. "The Afghan forces are continually improving their capability to protect and defend Afghan citizens and take increased responsibility for the defense of their country."

"There were two other explosions during the attack in Herat according to reporting," the statement said.

Posted in: Italian PRT repels insurgent attack in W Afghanistan