ISAF Joint Command evening operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.16.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader and detained one suspected insurgent during a security operation in Pul-e Khumri District, Baghlan province, yesterday.

Zalmi, the Taliban leader, directed a cell of fighters who conducted roadside bomb attacks against the local Afghan civilians and Afghan National Security Forces.

The force, following several reports from local citizens, searched for the leader at a compound in the district. The security force located Zalmi at the compound. The force called for him to exit the building peacefully, however he ignored their request and ran towards them, demonstrating hostile intent. Assessing a threat, the force fired at the man, killing him.

According to residents on scene, Zalmi forced his way into the home earlier in the day and forced the local owner to provide him room and board.

Following the engagement, one of Zalmi’s associates was detained for further questioning.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

In Lashkar Gah District, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition combined security force detained numerous insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader, yesterday. The target of the search was the senior Taliban leader for insurgent operations in the district.

In Panjwa’i District, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation while searching for a Taliban leader, yesterday. The leader is responsible for coordinating attacks and managing supplies used during insurgent attacks in the district.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during a security operation targeting a Taliban facilitator in Tarnek wa Jaldak District, Zabul province, yesterday. The facilitator is responsible for the movement of roadside bombs and roadside bomb-making material.

A coalition patrol discovered a drug cache in Garm Ser District, Helmand province, yesterday. The cache, discovered during a security operation, consisted of 948 pounds of opium. The drugs were seized and will be destroyed at a later date.

Also in Helmand province, a combined Afghan and coalition force patrol discovered a weapons cache in Marjah district, today. The cache consisted of two recoilless rifles, five 107 mm rockets, eight rocket propelled grenades, 2,500 7.62 mm rounds and rocket fuses. All weapons and munitions were safely destroyed on site.

East

In Manduzai District, Khost province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected insurgents while searching for a senior Haqqani Network leader, yesterday. The senior Haqqani leader is directly involved with planning and conducting operations against Afghan and coalition security forces. He is also responsible for roadside bomb attacks and suicide bomb facilitation in Khost province.

Finally, an Afghan and coalition combined security force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Haqqani network leader in Zurmat District, Paktiya province, yesterday. The leader has approximately 40 to 50 Haqqani fighters and multiple sub-chiefs under him who are responsible for attacks, kidnappings and bombings targeting Afghan security forces within the district.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2011
• Date Posted: 08.16.2011 01:37
• Story ID: 75397
• Location: KABUL, AF