Suspected insurgents detained in eastern, southern Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.16.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces followed intelligence leads in their search for Taliban and Haqqani Network leadership operating in eastern and southern Afghanistan yesterday.

The joint security forces detained more than 20 suspected insurgents during three separate security operations.

Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents during a joint security operation aimed at capturing a Taliban leader operating in Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Helmand province. The targeted individual, who recently returned from Pakistan, is trying to provide leadership to Taliban members in Nawah after security forces detained their district leader Oct. 18.

The Taliban leader is directly involved in planning attacks against Afghan and coalition security members and facilitating improvised explosive device materials. Recent reports indicate he was involved in planning an upcoming large-scale attack, and thus poses an immediate threat.

Coalition forces constantly adjust techniques to keep ahead of the enemy, said Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Regional Command Southwest, in a Nov. 15 article. The Afghan and coalition forces will continue to put pressure on the insurgents in Helmand and Nimroz provinces, providing no place for respite, he added.

Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting the search. The joint team destroyed several weapons during the search in addition to detaining the suspected insurgents based on initial questioning at the scene.

A separate joint security force in Paktiya province detained nine suspected insurgents during their search of a Taliban execution cell leader. The targeted individual is linked to multiple kidnappings and murders of Afghan civilians suspected of supporting the Afghan government or in the possession of Afghan voter cards.

Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound south of Ebrahim Khel in Zurmat district to search for the targeted individual. After an Afghan-led callout and questioning at the scene, the joint security force detained the suspected insurgents.

In neighboring Khost province, joint security forces detained additional suspected insurgents in their search for a Haqqani Network senior leader. The targeted individual coordinates the movement of weapons and IED materials, as well as plans attacks.

Afghan and coalition forces remain focused on disrupting dangerous Haqqani Network operations in eastern Afghanistan. The joint security force has already captured nine Haqqani leaders this month.

Intelligence reports led the security force to a series of compounds in Zambar in Sabari district where they detained the suspected insurgents.

The security force has conducted more than 92 percent of their operations without shots fired this month. Executing the operations in the hours of darkness minimizes the risk to local citizens.

• Date Taken: 11.16.2010
• Date Posted: 11.16.2010 00:42
• Story ID: 60188
• Location: KABUL, AF