ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.16.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and International Security Assistance Force killed one insurgent in Sayed Abad District, Wardak province yesterday, while searching for a Taliban leader.

The leader is an IED facilitator operating in southern Sayed Abad District. He commands a Taliban cell that conducts IED attacks and road blocks along Highway 1.

Recent intelligence reporting led the combined security force to target a compound in the district. While moving into position, the force noticed two armed insurgents attempting to escape. The force pursued the insurgents, killing one and capturing the other. The security force was able to detain the second individual after he illegally entered a neighboring building.

Throughout the entire operation, the force was careful to ensure the safety of all civilians.

In other ISAF news throughout Afghanistan:

North

In Chahar Bolak District, Balkh province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and several of his associates yesterday.

The leader was involved in the facilitation of IED components, including pressure plates. He is a weapons expert who was involved in attack planning against Afghan and coalition security forces.

After extensive intelligence gathering, the combined security force searched a compound associated with the leader in the district. The force isolated the compound and called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully, ensuring the safety of all civilians. During the search, the force discovered multiple weapons including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with multiple warheads, IED blasting caps, an AK-47 assault rifle, multiple grenades, and one chest rack.

While conducting interviews, the force identified and detained the insurgent leader along with three of his associates for further questioning.

In Talah wa Barfak District, Baghlan province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader yesterday.

The leader is working with groups of fighters to attack Afghan National Police, Provincial Reconstruction Teams, and coalition forces to regain lost Taliban territory. The combined security force searched a compound in the district based on multiple intelligence sources. Several buildings were cleared and local residents were questioned about the whereabouts of the insurgent leader. Following the questioning one suspected insurgent was detained.

The operation was completed without shots fired, and no civilians were harmed.

South

In Maiwand District, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during a security operation yesterday.

The facilitator coordinated suicide bomb attacks along with direct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and was responsible for an August 2010 IED attack in Argandab District, Kandahar province. He also acquired weapons for insurgents in the district.

Based on numerous intelligence sources, the combined security force searched for the facilitator at a compound in the district. The force secured and cleared the targeted compound without the use of force and with full compliance from the residents. While searching the area and conducting interviews with residents, the insurgent facilitator identified himself to the security force, and was detained along with two of his associates

The operation was completed with no shots fired and no civilians harmed.

In Lashkar Gah District, Helmand province, an Afghan and ISAF patrol discovered a drug cache. The cache consisted of 198 pounds (90 kilograms) of dry opium. The entire drug cache was confiscated by security forces.

East

In Baraki Barak District, Logar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and several of his associates during a security operation yesterday.

The facilitator was heavily involved in the acquisition and distribution of weapons, including ammunition, rockets and IEDs to insurgents throughout the area for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Following intelligence reports indicating the facilitator’s location, the combined security force searched for the leader at a compound in the district. The force called for all occupants to exit the premises peacefully, ensuring the safety of all women and children. During initial questioning the insurgent facilitator identified himself to the security force, resulting in his detention and several individuals who had connections to insurgent activity in the area.

No civilians were harmed during the operation.

Yesterday, in Zadran District, Paktiya province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani Network leader.

The leader commands thirty experienced fighters and leads them in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Intelligence reports led the combined security force to a compound in the district to search for the insurgent leader. After securing and clearing multiple buildings, the force interviewed residents about the whereabouts of the leader. Based on the information provided during the interviews, several individuals were detained for suspected ties to insurgent activity and for further questioning.

In Sperah District, Khost province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected insurgents during a clearance operation yesterday.

The combined security force conducted a clearance of a known Taliban and Haqqani network safe haven in order to disrupt insurgent activity and prevent future attacks in the province.

The force cleared several buildings in two separate locations. During the initial search, they interviewed residents about insurgent activity in the area. Based on the information the locals provided, five suspected insurgents were detained from different locations.

The force did not fire a shot during the operation and they protected all women and children present.

In Bak District, Khost province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one insurgent while searching for a Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin facilitator during a security operation yesterday.

The HIG facilitator and fighter is responsible for assisting the movement of munitions throughout the province for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Several intelligence tips led the combined security force to a location in the district to search for the facilitator. Multiple buildings were searched and cleared during the operation. While searching the area, the force discovered an AK-47 assault rifle and a rocket propelled grenade.

One suspected insurgent was detained for further questioning as a result of interviews with local residents.

No shots were fired and no civilians were harmed during the operation.

• Date Taken: 05.16.2011
• Date Posted: 05.16.2011 01:47
• Story ID: 70436
• Location: KABUL, AF