UPDATE ISAF confirms Taliban leader killed in precision air strike

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.13.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Shirin Agha, a Taliban senior military leader, was killed in a coalition force precision air strike in Kunduz province Monday.

Shirin Agha operated in the Gor Tappa area of Kunduz and was responsible for conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces operating in the province. He was well connected with Taliban leaders throughout the province, financing their activities and facilitating their housing.

Afghan and coalition forces have successfully targeted Taliban leadership throughout northern Afghanistan. Operations over the last month have resulted in 18 senior leaders killed or captured.

“Each insurgent leader removed from the battlefield further establishes security and opportunity for area residents,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “Afghan and coalition forces have significantly reduced the insurgent’s capability to effectively execute terrorist operations. Afghan and coalition forces will continue targeting those who stand in the way of peace and stability.”

Based on intelligence sources, coalition forces tracked multiple insurgents to a remote area of Kunduz district. After verifying insurgent activity and careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition aircraft conducted the precision air strike, killing Shirin Agha and one of his associates. Initial reports indicate no civilians were killed or wounded during the strike.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2010
• Date Posted: 10.13.2010 02:19
• Story ID: 57991
• Location: KABUL, AF