Forces target Taliban leaders throughout Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.17.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted Taliban leaders in Farah, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktiya provinces detaining more than 10 suspected insurgents during four security operations yesterday.

In Farah province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader, detaining several suspected insurgents during a security operation.

The security force targeted the Taliban leader who is involved in acquiring and emplacing improvised explosive devices in Khak-e Safayd and Pusht-e Rod Districts. He is subordinate to the district Taliban shadow governor. He was involved with the kidnapping of two local Afghans in the area according to recent reporting.

Security forces followed leads to the target locations in Pusht-e Rod District, where Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search after securing the targeted locations. Several suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the targeted locations. The security force discovered an AK47, multiple grenades, a chest rack, ammunition and a Taliban night letter.

Night letters are a Taliban weapon used to intimidate local Afghans. The letters, bearing the Taliban letterhead, deliver threats of death and harassment to locals who either refuse to support terrorist efforts or maintain support of coalition efforts, or both.

In Kandahar province Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader detaining several suspected insurgents during a security operation.

The security force targeted the Taliban leader who operates within Maiwand District. He is responsible for coordinating attacks, gathering intelligence and movement of supplies to support Taliban insurgent activity. He is associated with Pakistan-based Taliban leadership. Recent reporting indicates he observed a possible IED attack in the area.

Security forces followed leads to the target location in the district, where Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search after securing the compound. Several suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the scene.

In Nangarhar province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban weapons and finance facilitator in Behsud District detaining one suspected insurgent during a joint security operation.

The Taliban facilitator operates within the Sherzad District where he is responsible for direct fire attacks against coalition forces and aircraft in Tutu village. He organizes, sells and distributes weapons, narcotics and funds for Taliban insurgents in the region.

Security forces followed leads to a series of buildings in Behsud District. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search of the buildings. The security force detained one suspected insurgent after initial questioning for involvement in insurgent activities.

In Paktiya province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted the Gardez Taliban leader detaining one suspected insurgent during a security operation.

The targeted Taliban leader is involved in IED attacks on coalition forces in Gardez District. He is also associated with other Taliban leaders in the province. Recent reporting indicates he was involved with an insurgent who placed an IED targeting the Afghan National Police in the area.

Following intelligence leads, security forces targeted a compound in Gardez District, where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The security team detained one suspected insurgent based on initial questioning at the scene. The insurgent was detained with an automatic weapon, a pistol, chest rack and ammunition.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2011
• Date Posted: 01.17.2011 23:54
• Story ID: 63709
• Location: KABUL, AF