Afghan, coalition forces target Haqqani leaders in Khost

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.20.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces conducted three operations in Khost province targeting Haqqani leaders, killing several armed insurgents and detaining more than 10 suspected insurgents yesterday.

In Terayzai District, forces targeted a Haqqani leader for Khost province who is responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks on coalition bases in the area.

Intelligence reports led the security force to a compound in Terayzai District to search for the leader. As the security force arrived at the targeted location armed insurgents threatened the security force. The force followed the insurgents and when shot upon, they returned fire resulting in the insurgents being killed.

The force continued to the targeted compound where Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint force cleared and secured the buildings. The Afghan and coalition forces detained the several suspects based on initial questioning at the scene. The force recovered multiple weapons to include a suicide vest, pistol, chest racks and grenades. All weapons discovered on the objective were safely destroyed in place.

Also in Terayzai District, Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani leader along with several suspected insurgents during a security operation.

Intelligence reports indicate the Haqqani leader was responsible for the coordination of improvised explosive devices and ambush attacks targeting coalition and Afghan forces. He also was responsible for facilitating weapons for direct action cells in both Sabari and Terayzai Districts.

The security force followed intelligence tips to a compound in the district to search for the leader. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the building. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the Haqqani leader and several suspected insurgents.

In Bak District, a separate Afghan and coalition force detained several suspected insurgents as they targeted a Haqqani improvised explosive device facilitator.

Intelligence reports indicate the Haqqani facilitator is responsible for the movement of IEDs and weapons for groups operating in Sabari District. He also planned attacks on coalition patrols in the province.

The security force followed intelligence tips to a compound in Bak District to search for the leader. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the building. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the suspected insurgents.

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

• Date Taken: 12.20.2010
• Date Posted: 12.20.2010 00:03
• Story ID: 62296
• Location: KABUL, AF