ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.21.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and numerous associates during a security operation in Panjwa’i District, Kandahar province, yesterday.

The leader was second-in-command for insurgent operations in Panjwa’i and actively planned attacks against coalition forces, including an attack against a coalition forward operating base.

Multiple intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in the district in search of the leader. The force secured and cleared multiple buildings, while ensuring the safety of the women and children.

Based on interviews with residents, the force identified the leader along with numerous suspected insurgents. They were taken into custody for further questioning. During their search, the force also found and destroyed 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of marijuana. Initial reports indicate no civilians were harmed during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news through Afghanistan:

South

A combined Afghan and coalition force detained several suspected insugents and destroyed a drug cache while searching for a Taliban facilitator during a security operation in Kajaki District, Helmand province, yesterday. The targeted facilitator and financier is responsible for money exchanges and running a narcotics processing center in Baghlan District, Baghlan province. He travels to Kajaki to assist senior Taliban leaders in current operations.

The combined security force searched a couple compounds in the district based on multiple reports of insurgent activity in the area and tips from citizens. The force commenced the search of the first compound, while ensuring the safety of the women and children. During their search, they discovered 120 pounds (54 kgs) of wet opium and more than 20,000 Pakistan rupees. They detained one individual with suspected ties to Taliban insurgency.

At a nearby location, the force secured and cleared a separated compound which was suspected of insurgent activity. They carried out the search and conducted interviews with the occupants. After initial questioning, the force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning. There were no shots fired during either search.

Also in Kajaki, a separate combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one individual with suspected ties to Taliban activity while searching for a Taliban leader, yesterday. The targeted leader is a key facilitator and an attack planner within a local suicide and explosive device attack network.

Intelligence tips led the combined security force to a compound where suspected insurgent activity occurred in the district. The force conducted a search of a compound without firing shots and interviewed residents on the whereabouts of the leader. After initial questioning, the force detained one individual with suspected ties to the leader for further questioning.

A combined Afghan and coalition force discovered a weapons cache in Arghandab district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of seven rocket-propelled grenades, one AK-47, one periscope, one 75 mm recoilless rifle and one bag of propellant.

East

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation in Khost district, Khost province, yesterday. The operation was conducted to apprehend several insurgents suspected of planning an attack in Khost province. The individuals have been conducting military training and preparation in a compound that is associated with Pakistan-based al-Qaida leadership.

Intelligence sources led the security force to a compound in the district. The security force isolated the compound and called for all occupants to exit the buildings. While conducting their search, the force interviewed residents, identifying and detaining several suspected insurgents for further questioning about the planned attack. The security force conducted the operation without firing a shot, ensuring the safety of civilians.

Also in Khost, a combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator and detained several of his associates during a security operation in Terayzai District, yesterday. The facilitator was responsible for providing direction to Haqqani personnel for direct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

The combined security force targeted a compound in the district based on numerous sources and intelligence reports. They located the compound and isolated it before calling for all occupants to exit the buildings. The force conducted their search, ensuring the safety of the women and children. While searching the area and interviewing residents, the force identified the Haqqani facilitator. The facilitator along with several individuals with suspected ties to the Haqqani network, were detained.

In Logar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent during a clearing operation in Charkh district, yesterday. The force conducted the operation to disrupt Taliban activity in the area, which is known as a staging location for insurgent fighters while they prepare for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

The force isolated the area and called for all occupants to exit the buildings. After ensuring the safety of the women and children, the force conducted interviews with residents. As a result of the interviews, the force detained one individual with suspected ties to the Taliban insurgency. There were no shots fired during the operation.

ISAF today confirmed the capture of a Taliban leader and several of his associates during a security operation in Sayyidabad District, Wardak province, April 19. The leader was responsible for placing roadside bombs along Highway 1 targeting coalition force convoys, and coordinating operations with senior Taliban leadership in the area.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2011
• Date Posted: 04.21.2011 01:34
• Story ID: 69070
• Location: KABUL, AF