ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.30.2012

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 30) - Today, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the death of Asad, an al-Qaida associated Taliban leader, following an operation in Darah-ye Pech district, Kunar province, Friday.

Asad was a Marawara-based Taliban leader also affiliated with the Tehrik-Nefaz-i-Shariat-Muhammadi, a Pakistani militant group and known supporter of the Afghan Taliban. Asad engaged in numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and was believed to be planning additional strikes in the days leading up to his death.

Prior to the attack, the security force positively identified Asad and several armed militants engaging in insurgent activity. After confirming the imminent threat, the security force conducted a precision air strike, killing Asad and two additional insurgents.

A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed or property damaged as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout
Afghanistan:

North

Today, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the arrest of a Taliban leader during a security operation in Sar-e Pul district, Sar-e Pul province, Saturday. The detained leader is believed to have supported and directed improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the district. Prior to his arrest, the detainee reported directly to senior Taliban leaders while exercising command and control within the province to coordinate insurgent attacks.

Additionally, he is suspected of purchasing and distributing supplies for future attacks. The security force also detained an additional five suspected insurgents during the operation.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban attack leader during an operation in Pul-e 'Alam district, Logar province, Saturday. The detained Taliban leader is suspected of having played a key role in the procurement, planning and execution of IED attacks against coalition and Afghan security forces. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani IED expert in Tsamkani district, Paktiya province, today. The detained explosives expert is suspected of having procured large amounts of IED-building materials, coordinated the shipment of those materials throughout the region, and imported multiple anti-aircraft weapons. In addition to directing ambush-style attacks against Afghan National Police, he is believed to be directly responsible for the construction of numerous remote-controlled IEDs, planned their use, and facilitated their delivery. The security force also detained seven other suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms as a result of the operation.

Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the arrest of a Haqqani IED attack leader in Sharan district, Paktika province, Friday. The detained Haqqani leader is suspected of having played a direct role in the construction and distribution of IEDs, in addition to directing their use in attacks throughout the region. He was also known to seek additional weapons, including ammunition and mortars. At the time of his arrest, the Haqqani leader was believed to have been planning an attack against high-level Afghan government officials. The security force also detained two additional suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms as a result of the operation.

Taliban insurgents shot an Afghan civilian in Junabi Kheyl village, Muqor district, Ghazni province Friday while Afghan and coalition special operation forces were conducting a security meeting. The man was injured from PKM machine gun fire after the Taliban attacked the combined force at the meeting. The Afghan and coalition troops treated and stabilized the man at the location, and fought off the attack. The injured man was further transported by local villagers to a hospital in Ghazni City.

• Date Taken: 09.30.2012
• Date Posted: 09.30.2012 00:48
• Story ID: 95501
• Location: KABUL, AF