ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.05.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader, a Haqqani facilitator and several of their associates during an overnight clearing operation in Bermal District, Paktika province, yesterday.

The Afghan-led operation targeted several Haqqani leaders in Pir Koti valley. The focus of the operation was to eliminate potential Haqqani safe house and disrupt the training and movement of fighters.

The detained Haqqani leader organized fighters, managed facilitators and planned attacks in the district. His associated facilitator produced and emplaced roadside bombs, provided transportation logistics for fighters, engaged in operations with local Haqqani commanders and hosted a compound which served as bed-down location for insurgents.

Both individuals were located at an associated compound in Bermal. The security force was led to the location by several intelligence reports of insurgent activity in the area. While searching the area, Afghan members of the force conducted interviews with residents and following those interviews, both individuals were taken into custody. Additionally, several of their associates were also detained for further questioning. The operation was completed with no shots fired and no civilians harmed.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several individuals with suspected ties to the Taliban during an overnight security operation in Sar-e Pul District, Sar-e Pul province, yesterday. The Afghan-led security force was in the district searching for a Taliban leader who plans and executes attacks against Afghan National Security Forces.

While moving into position, the security force noticed two individuals attempting to flee the area. The force pursued the individuals, capturing both of them. They then searched the targeted compound where one additional suspected insurgent was detained. No civilians were harmed during the operation.

South

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and two of his associates during a security operation in Panjwa’i District, Kandahar province, yesterday. The facilitator was responsible for production and movement of explosive devices and components into Zharay and Panjwa’i Districts. Additionally, he was known to have direct involvement in the narcotics trade throughout the province.

After extensive intelligence gathering, the Afghan-led security force searched for the leader at his compound in the district. While interviewing residents, the force identified the targeted facilitator. He and two of his associates were taken into custody and transported with the security force. No shots were fired during the night operation and the force ensured the safety of the women and children throughout the search.

In Helmand province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator in Sangin District, Helmand province, yesterday. The facilitator is responsible for moving narcotics, weapons and money within the northern Helmand Taliban network.

Following several intelligence tips, the Afghan-led security force searched for the facilitator at an associated compound in the district. While searching the compound, the force interviewed residents and were able to identify and detain several suspected insurgents. No shots were fired and no civilians harmed during the night operation.

During a security operation in Tarnak wa Jaldak District, Zabul province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one individual with suspected ties to Taliban activity. The security force was in the district searching for a Taliban leader who is an active Taliban leader responsible for facilitating weapons, coordinating attacks with fighters, conducting attacks himself and instructing associates on how to use weapons and construct explosive devices throughout the province. No shots were fired and no civilians harmed during the night operation.

East

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed more than five insurgents and detained two suspected insurgents during an overnight security operation targeting a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad District, Wardak province, yesterday. The Afghan-led security force conducted the operation in Tangi valley to capture a senior Taliban leader. The targeted leader is an active Taliban commander responsible for kidnapping and ransom operations, facilitating weapons, coordinating attacks with fighters, conducting attacks himself, and instructing associates on how to use weapons and construct explosive devices throughout Wardak and Logar provinces.

While moving into position, the force was engaged by multiple insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms weapons. The security force made numerous attempts to commence the search peacefully but was repeatedly engaged by the armed insurgents. Responding to enemy fire, the force engaged the insurgents, killing more than five of them.

Following the conflict, the force searched the area and discovered an RPG launcher with several warheads, a high powered machinegun, multiple AK-47 rifles, and several chest racks. The security force detained two suspected insurgents for additional questioning. Throughout the operation, the force was protected the women and children. Initial reports indicate no civilians were harmed.

Also in Sayyidabad, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader yesterday. The targeted leader is the Taliban appointed provincial military chief for Wardak province. He coordinates kidnappings of Afghan government officials and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district.

The individuals were detained while the Afghan-led force searched the leader’s suspected compound in the district. While searching the area, Afghan members of the force interviewed residents, who helped identify the suspected insurgents, who were taken for further questioning. No shots were fired during the night operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader in Khwajah ‘Omari District, Ghazni province, yesterday. The targeted leader is a guerrilla warfare tactician who commands many fighters for attacks against Afghan security forces.

The Afghan-led security force searched for the leader at the compound in the district, where an armed conflict ensued, resulting in several insurgents armed with AK-47 rifles, a grenade and chest racks being killed.

Following the engagement, the security force moved to search the targeted compound. During the search, they were engaged by another armed insurgent who was hiding in a nearby foxhole. The force returned fired, killing the insurgent. Initial reports indicate no civilians were harmed during either conflict, as the force ensured the safety of all non-combatants. Completing the search, the security force was able to detain several individuals with suspected ties to the insurgent leader.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network facilitator and several suspected insurgents during an overnight security operation in Sabari District, Khost province, yesterday. The facilitator was responsible for emplacing and coordinating the use of explosives targeting the Afghan National Army.

The Afghan-led force was able to apprehend the facilitator after he identified himself during a security search of his compound. Additionally, while interviewing residents, the force was also able to identify several of the facilitator’s associates. All were detained for further questioning. During the search, the security force also confiscated two rifles before leaving the targeted area. The operation was conducted with no shots fired and no civilians harmed.

Also in Sabari, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani network leader during a security operation yesterday. The leader conducts homemade bomb attacks, including a recent attack in Sabari.

Multiple intelligence reports led the security force to search two compounds in the district. At both compounds, an Afghan member of the force called for all occupants to exit peacefully. Once all civilians were secure, the force commenced their search. During the searches, the force identified and detained several individuals with suspected ties to the Haqqani leader. They were transported with the security force for further questioning. No shots were fired and no civilians were harmed during the night operation.

• Date Taken: 06.05.2011
• Date Posted: 06.06.2011 04:21
• Story ID: 71650
• Location: KABUL, AF