ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.23.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan — A Taliban leader was captured today by a combined Afghan and coalition security force after returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan.

Wali Mohammad and four of his associates were detained during a security operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province. The security force received information that Mohammad was visiting southern Afghanistan after being in hiding for several years in Pakistan.

Wali Mohammad was the Taliban leader behind numerous suicide and spectacular attacks that targeted and killed multiple civilians in southern Afghanistan. Mohammad fled the country and has been hiding across the border since he escaped during a raid of the Kandahar Sarposa Prison in 2008.

Mohammad was also closely connected to the Taliban’s Chief of the Rahbari Shura and the direct-subordinate of high-level military leaders in the insurgent network.

In addition to Mohammad, four associates a quantity of bomb making materials were also seized.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

Local Afghans led a combined Afghan and coalition patrol to a drug cache by locals in Nawah-ye Barakzai, Helmand province, today. The cache consisted of 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate and four bags containing a combined 400 pounds (181 kilograms) of poppy seeds. The materials were seized by the security force for later destruction.

East

A coalition security force discovered a weapons cache based on a tip during an operation in Bagram district, Parwan province, yesterday. The cache consisted of nine 122mm artillery rounds and two 115mm artillery rounds. All of the weapons were destroyed on site and no civilian casualties or damages were reported as a result of the operation.

West

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache in Shindand district, Herat province, today. The weapons cache consisted of seven mortars and 35 explosive munitions, which were destroyed at the scene. There were no reported damages or casualties as a result of the demolition.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in search of a Haqqani facilitator in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Nangarhar province, yesterday. The facilitator distributes weapons to Haqqani fighters and conducts in-direct fire and roadside bomb attacks in the Pul-e ‘Alam district.

A Taliban leader was captured by combined Afghan and coalition security force in Bati Kot district, Nangarhar province, yesterday. The leader directed insurgent fighters to attack Afghan forces. Two additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

A Haqqani network leader was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition security force during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, yesterday. The leader operated a roadside bomb attack cell and supplied bomb making materials to insurgents throughout the region. The security force detained two additional suspected insurgents during the operation.

A Haqqani network leader was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition security force during an operation in Zarghun Shahr district, Paktika province, yesterday. The leader coordinated roadside bomb attacks against Afghan forces. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in search of a Haqqani network leader in Sabari district, Khost province, yesterday. The leader constructs and places roadside bombs in Sabari district, and sells weapons to insurgents throughout the region. The security force confiscated multiple firearms and grenades during the operation.

• Date Taken: 11.23.2011
• Date Posted: 11.23.2011 03:18
• Story ID: 80469
• Location: KABUL, AF