Increasing insurgent propaganda the best evidence of Afghan national security forces, International Security Assistance Force success in Logar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.19.2009

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Force troops conducted an operation in Mohammed Agha District, Logar province early on the morning of March 19 that led to the capture of a suspected insurgent leader, 17 of his associates and a number of weapons.

The operation is the latest success in a targeted campaign against insurgent networks in Logar province in recent months.

Shortly after midnight, ANSF and ISAF troops entered a compound belonging to Katlai, an insurgent allegedly responsible for attacks against ISAF, ANSF and civilians in Logar and Kabul. He was detained after having been given the option to surrender peacefully to the ANSF. Women and children located in the compound were moved to safety by ANSF troops.

Katlai is the sixth major insurgent leader to be removed from Logar this year after operations conducted by ANSF and ISAF. Ishamel (March 2009), Khanai (March 2009), Munib and Shirin Agha (February 2009), and Mullah Zahir, who was responsible for the Jan. 17, 2009, suicide vehicle improvised explosive device incident in Kabul, have all been detained or killed in the last few weeks. Katlai has been linked to multiple IED and suicide vehicle IED attacks in both Kabul and Logar.

Insurgent propaganda operations have increased in Logar this year in response to the success of ANSF and ISAF operations. After each of the above combined ANSF/ISAF operations, insurgent propaganda planners have spread rumours alleging civilian casualties which have subsequently been proved untrue by ISAF and GIRoA investigations.

"ANSF and ISAF have conducted their second successful targeted strike against insurgent networks in Logar this week, and the sixth such successful strike in the past three months," said Brig. Gen. Richard Blanchette, ISAF spokesperson. "The recent efforts by the insurgent propaganda machine against the Afghan people in Logar are the best evidence we have of our success."

• Date Taken: 03.19.2009
• Date Posted: 03.19.2009 00:39
• Story ID: 31312
• Location: KABUL, AF