KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force conducted a precision strike on a Taliban commander directly connected to the July 2 attack near the Ariana hotel in Kunduz province July 15.
Several other insurgents were killed in the strike also.
The Kunduz police chief reports the commander was killed in the strike, but Afghan and coalition forces are still gathering information in order to completely confirm the report.
The Taliban commander had connections to Afghanistan and Pakistan-based Taliban leadership and was actively involved in improvised explosive device attacks. He openly claimed responsibility for the July 2 vehicle-borne IED attack on a USAID station near the Ariana hotel in Kunduz, which killed two civilians and wounded seven more.
"The Kunduz attack was a shameful act against an organization that was here only to provide assistance to the Afghan people. It clearly demonstrates the Taliban's desire to prevent progress here," said Lt. Col. Ian Tudlong, ISAF Joint Command Chief of Operations. "ANSF and ISAF make it one of our top priorities to stop people who are involved in these types of attacks."
After verifying insurgent activity and careful planning to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage, the strike was called in on the target in a field far away from any villages in Kunduz District.
The group of Taliban was meeting reportedly to elect the new Taliban shadow governor of Archi District.
No civilians were wounded or killed in this precision strike.
Date Taken: | 07.15.2010 |
Date Posted: | 07.15.2010 15:36 |
Story ID: | 52891 |
Location: | KABUL, AF |
Web Views: | 519 |
Downloads: | 477 |
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