KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in the village of Pasab, in the Zharay District of Kandahar province, last night after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the joint force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

In Helmand last night, a joint security force searched a compound outside of Kariz-e Seyy, in the Nad-e Ali District, after intelligence information confirmed militant activity. During the search the joint force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning.

In Kunar last night, an Afghan-international security force went to a compound near the village of Wotalah, in the Chapa Dara District, after local Afghan citizens requested help in removing the local Taliban threat. Intelligence information confirmed militant activity and the location of a Taliban commander responsible for planning complex attacks against Afghan and coalition troops.

As the joint force surrounded the target compound, several armed militants threatened the combined element forcing them to engage the insurgents. The armed militants, one of them the targeted Taliban commander, were all killed. They called for the remaining Taliban to lay down their weapons; however the insurgents continued to engage the security force.

The joint force, led by Afghan national security forces, had attempted to peacefully request the militants to come out of the residence without incident when they engaged them. As the hostile fire continued, the decision was made for the combined Afghan-coalition force to withdraw to minimize the chance of civilian casualties. The Taliban in the area have a reputation of using innocent civilians as human shields.

As the joint force left, close air support was called in to safeguard their departure. The security force returned to base.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.