Afghan-led force detains several suspected insurgents in Helmand operations

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.06.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan and coalition security forces targeted two Taliban district commanders in charge of Garm Ser and Nawah-ye Barakzai districts of Helmand province Thursday, detaining several suspected insurgents during the operations.

The first security force targeted the Garm Ser district commander, who directs attacks against coalition forces. He also facilitates weapons and supplies for Taliban fighters within his district. The security force targeted a compound in Mohammad Rahim Kalay in Garm Ser district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all residents to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After questioning the residents at the scene, the assault force detained several suspected insurgents.

A separate security force targeted a compound in remote Marjah district in pursuit of the Nawah-ye Barakzai district commander, who had recently returned from Pakistan. As the assault force approached the compound, three males attempted to escape by maneuvering through a nearby canal but the security force was able to capture them peacefully. After returning to the compound,

Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound and then secured the area. The assault force detained several suspected insurgents and found five pounds of wet opium at the scene.
“Afghan and coalition forces are targeting the upper-level Taliban leaders operating in southern Afghanistan and in turn, de-stabilizing their insurgent networks,” said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “In the last month we’ve detained several Taliban commanders in Helmand province and we will continue applying the pressure.”

Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons on either operation and they protected the women and children throughout the searches.

• Date Taken: 08.06.2010
• Date Posted: 08.06.2010 02:55
• Story ID: 54039
• Location: KABUL, AF