UPDATE: Suicide bomber detained during Kunduz operation

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.01.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces assessed one of the insurgents detained in Kunduz province Tuesday was planning to carry out a suicide attack in the near future.

During their search, the security force discovered an intact improvised explosive device wired inside a suitcase.

"This is a significant find," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The insurgents are trying new indiscriminate tactics and we're happy we foiled this particular attack before anyone was killed or injured."

The security force was in pursuit of an al-Qaida-affiliated extremist connected to several insurgent groups in the area including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and the Taliban. The extremist was recently forced to leave his safe haven in Pakistan and moved to Takhar province with several al Qaida members.

The assault force, partnered with Afghan National Security Forces and Afghan National Police, targeted a series of compounds in Kunduz City, in pursuit of the al-Qaida operative. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully, and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents at the scene, the security force detained two insurgents.

A female ANP member led a thorough search of the females at the scene ensuring nothing was hidden on them. Along with the suitcase ball bearing IED, the security force also discovered a pistol suppressor along with an IED command wire and initiating devices at the scene.

The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

• Date Taken: 09.01.2010
• Date Posted: 09.01.2010 07:39
• Story ID: 55520
• Location: KABUL, AF