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U.S. Soldier Shot in al Qaeda Gunfight
Thursday, January 24, 2002

An American soldier was wounded and up to 15 al Qaeda guerrillas killed today in a skirmish in southern Afghanistan.

The engagement confirms that pockets of resistance remain despite the Allies' rout of al Qaeda.

U.S. officials said the "firefight" broke out in the Kandahar region during a "search-and destroy" mission by U.S. special forces against supporters of fugitive leader Osama bin Laden.

The name of the wounded soldier was not immediately released, but an official said that he had been shot in the foot and his injuries were not life-threatening.

A statement by the U.S. command said the soldier was wounded while "conducting combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom."
(ThisIsLondon.com News Source)
2002 © Associated Newspapers Ltd.

Dan