Forces target Taliban leader in Kunduz

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.30.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader in Kunduz province who has key ties to Afghanistan- and Pakistan-based Taliban leadership, detaining several suspected insurgents during a joint security operation yesterday.

The Taliban leader has direct ties to the Baghlan province Taliban network and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in Kunduz and Pakistan. He teaches affiliates how to build improvised explosive devices and also purchases and distributes IED materials. He works in the province with autonomy, reporting directly to the Taliban shadow governor.

Forces followed leads to a series of buildings in the Kunduz district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call occupants out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. Several men were detained after initial questioning.

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

The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2010
• Date Posted: 12.29.2010 22:58
• Story ID: 62758
• Location: KABUL, AF