IJC Operational Update, June 19

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.19.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

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KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-international security force killed a Taliban sub-commander along with a number of insurgents at a compound in Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province last night.

Mullah Abdul Razaq was responsible for moving suicide operatives throughout the eastern part of Kunduz province and was the Taliban military commander in Talaqwa Village. Afghanistan National Police in Kunduz confirmed the death. According to multiple intelligence reports, Razaq is suspected of being involved in an improvised explosive device attack that killed two American soldiers in the vicinity of Isa Khan, Kunduz province, June 16.

The security force searched a compound east of Chahar Darrehchi, Chahar Darah district, where they were fired upon by individuals armed with automatic weapons and grenades. The combined force returned fire and secured the compound.

During the search a civilian man came out of his home and told Afghan and coalition forces that the Taliban use the road near the compound daily and that they frequently stay in the mosque behind his home. The Taliban continue to use mosques as safe havens and weapons storage sites, knowing that international forces are not allowed to enter.

A significant amount of automatic weapons, magazines full of ammunition, grenades and an RPG launcher with rounds were found on site.

Women and children present were protected by the combined force during the search.

“IED attacks continue to be the insurgents’ main tactic against Afghan National Security Forces and coalition elements,” said Col. William Maxwell of the ISAF Joint Command. “This puts Afghan civilian lives at risk and yesterday’s operation helped take those responsible for these acts out of the Chahar Darah community,” he added.

A separate Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban commander and several suspected insurgents in Zabul province last night.

The commander is linked to IED attacks along the road connecting Zabul to Kabul.

The security force searched a series of compounds in a remote area of Shah Joy district after receiving intelligence reports on the Taliban commander’s whereabouts.

“The heavily travelled ring road is used not only by Afghan and coalition forces but civilians as well. Emplacing IED's on this road demonstrates the Taliban’s complete disregard for human life. Detaining the commanders and facilitators responsible for these tactics helps temper this threat,” said Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, ISAF Joint Command spokesperson.

No shots were fired during the search and women and children present were protected by the combined force.

Another Afghan-international security force killed a suspected insurgent, detained several other suspected insurgents and found IED material while pursuing a senior Taliban commander in Helmand province yesterday afternoon.

As the security force approached a compound in Lashkar Gah district, they immediately received fire from an individual outside the compound. The combined force returned fire killing him.

After securing the compound, the assault force found seven containers of home-made explosives, multiple initiators and numerous amounts of materials for making IED's. The explosives were destroyed on site.

A separate Afghan-international security force detained several suspected insurgents while pursuing a Taliban shadow governor, responsible for attacks against coalition forces, in Logar province last night

The security force searched a series of compounds south of Karizeh Za’faran after intelligence sources confirmed insurgent activity. During the search the joint force found a 25 Kilogram bag of ammonium nitrate, which is commonly used in the manufacture of the homemade explosives often found in IED's and is banned by the government of Afghanistan.

While preparing to depart the area, the joint force was fired on by an individual, and they returned fire killing him.

Women and children present were protected by the combined force, and no buildings were damaged.

Afghan National Army Commandos assisted by U.S. Special Operations Forces killed a number of insurgents in Badghis province while searching for an insurgent commander Thursday.

The Afghan-led force was in the village of Burrida, Morghab district, when they were attacked by a group of insurgents.

The insurgents engaged the force with heavy small-arms, machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire from fortified positions. The partnered force returned fire and called in a precision airstrike killing many of the insurgents.

There were no civilian casualties and no reports of civilian property damage.