UPDATE Logar-based Taliban leaders captured

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.06.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed another key capture during an Afghan and coalition security force operation in Paktiya province Saturday.

The operation resulted in the capture of Abdul Baqi, a Logar-based Taliban sub-commander responsible for command-wire improvised explosive device attacks.

Additionally, the security force captured Mullah Khalil, another Taliban commander, and Qari Habibullah, a Taliban facilitator, which ISAF announced in a previous release.

The group is linked to several IED attacks including one that killed four US soldiers on Highway 1 Aug. 31.

“Sources in Logar indicate Taliban leadership there tried to hide the fact that three of their leaders were indeed captured and worried how the captures would affect their Logar group,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “However, they were readily identified by Afghan and coalition forces, and now can be prosecuted for their crimes against Afghanistan.”

Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound in Lewan in Gardez district, and searched the area. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents, the security force identified and detained the commanders, facilitator and another insurgent, who admitted to participating in attacks against Forward Operating Base Shank.

“This was another extremely successful Afghan-led operation. This operation not only brought to justice dangerous individuals directly involved with coalition force deaths, but it severely degraded the Taliban network leadership in Logar province,” said Torres. “We’ll continue targeting this network until safety and security are realities for the Logar residents.”

The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.

• Date Taken: 09.06.2010
• Date Posted: 09.06.2010 03:00
• Story ID: 55771
• Location: KABUL, AF