ISAF Joint Command operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.03.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition force killed a Taliban facilitator during a security operation in Shah Joy District, Zabul province, yesterday. An Afghan civilian was accidentally killed in the engagement when the security force received small-arms fire from the targeted building and returned fire in response, killing the insurgent.

The security force cleared the building, where they found the armed insurgent dead along with an Afghan civilian. The security force was unaware of the Afghan civilian’s presence until they cleared the building after the engagement.

The facilitator is responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices and planning complex attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces.

The combined security force targeted the compound based on intelligence reports of insurgent activity in the area. The security force also found a rocket propelled grenade with four rounds, four RPG Boosters, two AK-47s, a fragmentation grenade, two chest racks with AK 47 magazines, one IED, multiple explosive-device detonators, IED making materials and a hand-held radio.

"We deeply regret the accidental killing of a civilian during this operation," said Col. Patrick Hynes, International Security Assistance Force Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We use every means at our disposal to conduct operations in a way that reduces the possibility of civilian casualties, and we'll make amends for this unfortunate event."

In other ISAF news throughout Afghanistan:

North

An Afghan and coalition force detained several suspected insurgents during a raid to capture a Taliban facilitator and a Taliban leader in Baghlan-e Jadid District, Baghlan province, yesterday. The facilitator is responsible for the acquisition, movement, employment, construction and supply of IEDs and suicide vests in the district. The leader is a suicide attack planner who is coordinating future suicide attacks against Afghan National Security Forces. Both are key leaders in the Baghlan-e Jadid suicide attack network and are directly associated with Taliban leaders based in Pakistan.

The partnered security force identified and targeted an area in the district based on multiple reports of insurgent activity. The force isolated and contained the buildings peacefully, ensuring the safety of all women and children. After questioning local residents, the security force detained the suspected insurgents. There was no damage to any buildings and no civilians were harmed.

An Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban facilitator and detained numerous suspected insurgents during a security operation in Imam Sahib District, Kunduz province, yesterday. The Taliban facilitator was an IED and suicide attack planner in the district. He was a key leader in the Kunduz suicide attack network responsible for the Feb 21 suicide attack in Imam Sahib.

The joint security force targeted a compound suspected of insurgent activity in the district. After isolating the compound, the joint security force called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully. After ensuring the safety of all women and children, the security force conducted their search and on-scene questioning. The facilitator was identified and detained, along with numerous other suspected insurgents. No shots were fired during the operation and no civilians were harmed

South

Afghan and coalition forces killed one Taliban insurgent and detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator in Kajaki District, Helmand province, yesterday. The facilitator is responsible for coordinating shipments of narcotics and weapons to Bahram Chah.

The force targeted a compound in the district based on numerous intelligence reports. While moving into position, the force was engaged by three armed insurgents attempting to flee the area. The security force engaged them, resulting in one insurgent being killed. The security force then moved to isolate the original targeted area. After securing the area, the security force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning. Initial reports indicate no civilians were harmed during the operation.

East

A combined Afghan and coalition force detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation to capture a Haqqani Network facilitator in Sabari District, Khost province, yesterday. The facilitator is responsible for acquiring explosives and other weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in the Terayzai and Sabari Districts.

Multiple intelligence sources led the joint security force to the facilitators’ suspected location. After surrounding the compound, the security forces called for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully. The residents exited the compound peacefully, allowing the joint security force to ensure the safety of all civilians. After initial questioning, security forces identified and apprehended several suspected insurgents for further questioning. No civilians were harmed and no shots were fired during the operation.

In Paktiya province yesterday, an Afghan and coalition force detained numerous suspected Haqqani insurgents during a raid to capture a Haqqani Network leader in Zurmat District. The target is the Haqqani network leader for Gardez District, who plans attacks against coalition forces and transports IED materials and fighters from Pakistan.

Multiple intelligence reports led the Afghan and coalition security force to the targeted Haqqani insurgents suspected location. The security force isolated and secured the initial compound and called all residents to exit peacefully. After securing the safety of all women and children, the security force questioned all residents on scene. Several suspected insurgents were detained from the compound. The security force then cleared and secured a second area, before detaining two additional suspected insurgents. The security force detained numerous suspected insurgents and found an AK-47 during the operation. No shots were fired in the operation.

Also in Paktiya, a separate Afghan and coalition force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani facilitator during a raid in Gardez District, yesterday. The targeted insurgent is a Haqqani leader responsible for planning attacks against coalition forces. He also transports IED materials and fighters from Pakistan.

Intelligence led the joint security force to the targeted individuals suspected location in Gardez. The security force isolated and secured the targeted compound. After ensuring the safety of all women and children, the security force commenced their search. Two suspected Haqqani insurgents were detained for further questioning. The joint security force also discovered an AK-47, grenade and magazines on the premises.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2011
• Date Posted: 04.03.2011 05:09
• Story ID: 68184
• Location: KABUL, AF