ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.28.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a Haqqani Network facilitator, Mohammad Umar, during a security operation in Manduzai District, Khost province, yesterday.

Umar was responsible for supplying Haqqani insurgents with weapons, ammunition and explosives.

The Afghan-led security force targeted Umar after several intelligence sources reported Haqqani activity in Manduzai District. While searching the area, the force noticed Umar attempting to flee. Despite multiple security force attempts to de-escalate the situation, Umar charged at the force. An engagement followed, resulting in Umar’s death.

In addition to Umar’s death, two suspected insurgents were detained.

The force was able to conduct and complete the operation while securing the safety of all women and children.

No civilians were harmed as a result of this engagement.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

In Sar-e Pul District, Sar-e Pul province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several Taliban insurgents and detained two others during a security operation yesterday.

The combined security force was in the district conducting a search for a senior Taliban leader when they were attacked by armed insurgents. The initial attack came as the Afghan-led force secured the targeted compound. There, an armed individual opened fire on the force, prompting them to returned fire and kill him.

The force secured the targeted compound and an Afghan member of the force called for all occupants to exit. The force secured the safety of all women and children. During the search, they noticed another group of individuals moving were trying to evade capture by hiding in a nearby tree line. The force called for the individuals to depart the tree line peacefully. However, the force noticed the armed men preparing to attack them instead. An engagement ensued, resulting in two insurgents killed and two insurgents detained.

The Afghan-led force was pointed to the targeted compound by intelligence tips, which indicated the area was a suspected hide-out for the targeted leader.

The leader is the Taliban appointed deputy governor for Balkh province, and he organizes attacks against Afghan national security forces. He also coordinates IED acquisition, construction and emplacement. Additionally, he facilitates small arms purchases, transport and employment.

The force discovered and safely destroyed a weapons cache consisting of several rocket propelled grenades and boosters, AK-47 assault rifles and chest racks.

No civilians were harmed as a result of this engagement.

In Imam Sahib District, Kunduz province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader, yesterday.

The leader facilitates transportation of improvised explosive device components and directs IED emplacement, targeting Afghan national security forces. He supports both Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan networks.

The combined security force searched a compound in Imam Sahib District after receiving several intelligence tips of insurgent activity in the area. The force secured and searched the compound and interviewed residents. The force identified and detained one suspected insurgent for further questioning.

No shots were fired during this operation.

South

In Musa Qal’ah District, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader yesterday.

The leader is the key commander in Musa Qal’ah District who provides tactical direction, logistical support and command oversight for insurgents in that area. He is involved in IED and weapons facilitation and attacks against security forces. He also provides funding to the insurgency in the district.

Based on multiple intelligence reports, the combined security force searched for the leader at a compound in Musa Qal’ah District. The force interviewed the compound residents and several individuals were identified and detained for further questioning

The security force was careful to ensure the safety of all women and children.

In Shah Joy District, Zabul province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation targeting a Taliban leader yesterday.

The leader commands fighters and facilitators in the district, coordinates Taliban activities and supports IED cells throughout Zabul province.

Multiple intelligence leads alerted the Afghan-led security force to a compound in the district to search for the leader. An Afghan member of the security force interviewed local residents about the whereabouts of the insurgent leader. Based on the interviews, the force was able to identify and detain two suspected insurgents for further questioning.

The force was able to conduct and complete the mission without the use of force, and no civilians were harmed during the operation.

In Kandahar province yesterday, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and a facilitator along with several suspected insurgents during security operations in Panjwa’i District and Kandahar City.

The targeted facilitator was responsible for weapons acquisition and involvement in direct attacks against security forces.

The Afghan-led force searched for the facilitator at his suspected compound in Kandahar City. He was identified after the force searched the area and conducted interviews with residents. One of his associates was also detained during the search.

In nearby Panjwa’i District, an Afghan-led security force searched for a Taliban leader in a compound in the district. The force isolated the area and called for all occupants to exit peacefully ensuring the safety of all women and children. After interviewing residents, the force identified and detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

The operation was completed without the use of force.

East

In Orgun District, Paktika province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator and several suspected insurgents during a security operation yesterday.

The facilitator provides facilities and bed-down locations for insurgent fighters while they coordinate future attacks in the district.

The combined security force tracked the facilitator to his compound in the district. The force isolated the compound, and an Afghan soldier called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. Once all civilians were secure, the force searched the compound and interviewed residents. Based on the information provided, the force was able to identify and detain the insurgent facilitator. Additionally, several suspected insurgents were detained for further questioning.

In Sayyidabad District, Wardak province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for two Taliban leaders yesterday.

One of the Taliban leaders is responsible for facilitating weapons, coordinating attacks, and conducting attacks against Afghan forces. He also instructs associates on how to use weapons and construct IEDs in Sayed Abad District of Wardak province and Baraki Barak District of Logar province.

The Afghan-led security force searched for the leader at a compound in the district where they discovered IED materials, a 107mm rocket and an AK-47 assault rifle. An Afghan member of the force questioned residents about insurgent activity in the area. After initial questioning, one individual was detained for further questioning.

During the search, the force found an infant who had been abandoned by the detainee as he attempted to flee. The security force members ensured the infant was quickly given to a village elder for his safety.

At a nearby location, the combined security force searched for the other Taliban leader. He is responsible for recruiting new fighters, coordinating attacks against Afghan security forces, and facilitating the movement of weapons. After securing and searching the area, the force identified two individuals with close association with the targeted insurgent leader. Both were detained for further questioning.

No civilians were harmed during either operation.

• Date Taken: 05.28.2011
• Date Posted: 05.28.2011 04:16
• Story ID: 71234
• Location: KABUL, AF