ISAF Joint Command operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.27.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition force captured a senior Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin leader and several suspected insurgents during a security operation in Sabari District, Khost province, yesterday.

The leader was the senior leader for all Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin operations in Khost province.

The security force targeted the leader’s suspected compound after numerous intelligence sources indicated insurgent activity in the district. 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 interviewed residents.

While conducting the interviews, the force identified and detained the leader, along with several of his associates, for further questioning. There were no shots fired during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and several of his associates during a security operation in Dand District, Kandahar province, yesterday. The leader planned and coordinated attacks against coalition forces, and coordinated weapons and explosive device component movements throughout the district.

Intelligence tips led the security force to target a series of buildings in the district where they secured the area and conducted their search. While conducting the search, the force interviewed local residents about the leader’s location. The leader identified himself to the force, resulting in his apprehension. During the search several individuals with suspected ties to Taliban insurgency were also detained for further questioning. Throughout the search the force ensured the safety of all women and children.

In Helmand province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and two of his associates during a security operation in Sangin district, yesterday. The facilitator provided guidance and enables attacks against coalition forces throughout northern Helmand. He also coordinated money, explosive-device components and munitions for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

After extensive intelligence gathering, the security force targeted a compound associated with the facilitator in the district. The force commenced their search after having all occupants exit the buildings and securing the safety of the civilians. During the search, the force discovered and destroyed 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of wet opium. During questioning, the facilitator identified himself to the force resulting in his detention. Two suspected insurgents were also detained for further questioning.

An Afghan and coalition patrol discovered 4,004 pounds (1,816 kgs) of marijuana in two compounds in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The force also recovered 1 million Afghanis ($23,264) during the operation.

Also in Panjwa’i yesterday, an Afghan and coalition force patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of 2,250 7.62 mm rounds, four rocket-propelled grenade transport cases and one 155 mm round casing.

East

Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 10 insurgents during an engagement near the Pakistan border in Giyan District, Paktika province, yesterday.

While conducting a security patrol, the combined force received reports of several insurgents preparing to attack the patrol. After gaining positive identification of the insurgent position, the patrol requested artillery support from a nearby forward operating base. The subsequent artillery fire killed numerous insurgents.

As the patrol continued on their mission and were later engaged by insurgents with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. The combined patrol returned fire and called for air weapons team support. Several more insurgents were killed and wounded in the engagement.

The air weapons team later identified a group of insurgents moving into Afghanistan from Pakistan. The team fired on three insurgents on the Afghanistan side of the border, killing two and wounding another.

All rounds were reported on target and initial reports indicate no civilians were injured in the operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and one of his associates during a security operation in Sherzad district, Nangarhar province, yesterday. The leader was responsible for planning and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, as well as disrupting Afghan national elections.

The security force targeted a compound in Sherzad based on numerous intelligence sources. After isolating the area, the force called for all occupants to exit the buildings. All residents complied and the force ensured their safety before commencing the search. During initial clearance, the force discovered multiple blasting caps, a mortar sight, an AK-47 rifle and pistols. Continuing the search, the force interviewed residents and the insurgent leader identified himself to the force, resulting in his apprehension. One of his associates was also detained for further questioning.

An Afghan and coalition force discovered a weapons cache in Qarah Bagh District, Kabul province, yesterday. The cache consisted of 90 grenades, 60 RPG boosters, three boxes of machine-gun ammunition, seven boxes of anti-aircraft ammunition, one rifle and two machine guns.

Also in Kabul province, coalition forces discovered 13 82 mm shells in Sarobi District, yesterday.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2011
• Date Posted: 04.27.2011 09:32
• Story ID: 69425
• Location: KABUL, AF