UPDATE: Afghan and coalition force kills Taliban commander in Paktika

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.07.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force confirmed the death of Shahin, a Taliban commander responsible for ordering attacks against Afghan and coalition forces operating in the Maka Khan and Sharana area, during a combined security force operation in Paktika province July 20.

Shahin was among several insurgents killed during the operation, conducted at a series of compounds near Zardad in Sharan district.

“This is another massive blow to the Taliban leadership operating within Afghanistan and was another shining example of how we are going after and capturing those responsible for acts against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces,” said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.

During the first operation July 20, insurgents immediately engaged the security force with automatic weapons and grenades. The security force returned fire killing Shahin and one of his associates. Once the fighting ceased and the compound was secure, the security force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning.

The assault force confiscated a motorcycle with seven improvised explosive device pressure-plate switches and other IED-making materials. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed multiple automatic weapons, grenades, chest racks and five blasting caps at the scene.

The security force moved to a second compound where armed insurgents engaged them again. The security force returned fire, killing one insurgent. They also wounded an insurgent during the firefight, who they evacuated for medical treatment. The assault force found automatic weapons and magazines at the compound.

The compounds were not damaged and the security force protected the women and children throughout the search.

• Date Taken: 08.07.2010
• Date Posted: 08.07.2010 03:30
• Story ID: 54092
• Location: KABUL, AF