Taliban leader killed, weapons cache found during operation in Ghazni

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.25.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed the Taliban leader for Khogyani district, Ghazni province during an operation in the province last night.

Evidence at the scene possibly links Abdul Hadi, who commanded several Taliban senior leaders operating in the district, to an attack on the Khogyani district center early this month, which resulted in the kidnapping of more than two dozen Afghan National Police.

He was also directly involved in arms and improvised explosive device trafficking as well as recruiting fighters for his network.

Intelligence reports led the security force to a compound in Waghaz district to search for Abdul Hadi. As the security force approached, the district leader ran from the targeted compound and hid in a nearby shed. Afghan forces called for him to come out of the shed peacefully. The district leader came out of the shed with a raised pistol and threatened the security force, at which point the security force shot and killed him.

After initial questioning of the residents at the targeted compound, the security force detained two suspected insurgents.

They also found multiple weapons at the compound including mortars, mortar fuses and IED components including blasting caps. Additionally, the detainees led the security force to a weapons cache containing numerous automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades and launchers.

Questioning at the scene indicates Abdul Hadi and one of his associates buried the weapons following the Khogyani district center attack. Most of the weapons are assessed to be the property of the ANP.

The assault force ensured the safety of the women and children for the duration of the search.

• Date Taken: 11.25.2010
• Date Posted: 11.25.2010 06:59
• Story ID: 60867
• Location: KABUL, AF