ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.18.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces captured a Taliban leader and detained numerous suspected insurgents during security operations in Kajaki District, Helmand province, yesterday.

The leader provided support to the Taliban by running drug trade and smuggling operations. He operated in the Kajaki and Sangin areas of northern Helmand as a financier and facilitator and reported to senior Taliban leaders. He had significant influence over the Sangin Taliban and direct ties with the deputy insurgent leader.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound where they called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The Taliban leader and numerous suspected insurgents were detained at the scene after initial questioning.

In other ISAF news throughout Afghanistan:

North

Afghan and coalition forces targeted a senior Taliban leader, killing one insurgent and detaining several suspected insurgents during security operations in Sayyad Valley District, Sar-e Pul province, yesterday.

The leader is a key power player in provinces Jowzjan, Faryab, and Sar-e Paul of northern Afghanistan. He is assessed to have ties to foreign fighter facilitation and suicide training camps operating in Sar-e Pul province. He commands approximately 60 Taliban insurgents.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound where they called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. After the call out, several suspected insurgents ran from the building and were followed by the security force. One of the suspected insurgents, who was wearing an ammunition vest and armed with a rifle, raised his rifle towards the security force, and they shot and killed him. Two of the other suspected insurgents were quickly caught by the security force, after attempting to evade.

Several suspected insurgents were detained at the scene after initial questioning.

Security forces recovered several mortars and grenades from the compound.

South

Coalition forces killed two insurgents during an operation in Reg-e Khan District, Helmand province, yesterday.

After observing a number of insurgents, coalition forces established positive identification, requested close-air support and engaged the enemy position, killing two insurgents.

There were no injuries to local citizens or collateral damage reported.

In Qalat District, Zabul province, yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban facilitator and detained several suspected insurgents during security operations.

The facilitator is responsible for the movement, distribution, and emplacement of IEDs along Highway 1 in Qalat District, and is directly associated with other Taliban leaders who have ties to insurgent foreign fighter training camps, where they train new recruits. He also provides financial and logistical support to the insurgent organization and is also involved in the transportation of heavy weapons systems.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound where they called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. Several suspected insurgents were detained at the scene after initial questioning.

East

Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Haqqani network leader and detained two suspected insurgents during security operations in Bak District, Khost province, yesterday.

The leader was responsible for the coordination of IED attacks. He managed the network and provided guidance to the other members. He was also responsible for facilitating the use of heavy machine guns and the movement of other weapons and ammunitions.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound where they called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The leader and two suspected insurgents were detained at the scene after initial questioning.

In Nerkh District, Wardak province, yesterday, Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin leader and detained two suspected insurgents during security operations.

The leader is in charge of approximately 20-25 insurgents and is associated with Taliban leaders operating in Nerkh. His group are responsible for attacking construction workers and implementing roadblocks throughout the district, as well as illegally collecting taxes from unsuspecting Afghan citizens.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound where they called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. Two suspected insurgents were detained at the scene after initial questioning.

• Date Taken: 03.18.2011
• Date Posted: 03.18.2011 01:54
• Story ID: 67255
• Location: KABUL, AF