Afghan, coalition forces detain several in search for Taliban leadership

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.28.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces conducted two security operations in Afghanistan overnight, detaining several suspected insurgents.

Afghan and coalition forces possibly hindered the Taliban’s attempt to replace detained leaders in the Gowaragi area of Helmand province.

The forces detained several suspected insurgents while targeting an individual who, according to intelligence reports, worked closely with two Taliban leaders detained in the area Oct. 18 and Nov. 15.

The joint security team conducted the operation in the Nawah-ye Barakzai District. The team followed leads from the intelligence reports indicating the insurgents’ intent to instate the targeted individual into the vacant leadership position. He is known to facilitate improvised explosive device attacks in the Gowragi area.

Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call all occupants to exit the targeted buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The Afghan and coalition forces detained the suspects after they attempted to flee and based on initial questioning at the scene.

Separately, Afghan and coalition forces in Paktika province detained two suspected insurgents during their search for a Taliban facilitator. The targeted individual is most active as a weapons facilitator including acquiring explosive bullets, rockets and mortars.

Intelligence reports led the security force to a compound in Sharan district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces conducted a call out before the joint security force cleared and secured the area. After initial questioning of the residents at the targeted compound, the security force detained the suspected insurgents.

The joint security team conducted the operations in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were injured or detained during these operations.

The security forces conducted the operations without firing their weapons.

• Date Taken: 11.28.2010
• Date Posted: 11.28.2010 00:22
• Story ID: 60966
• Location: KABUL, AF