KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in two overnight operations in southern Afghanistan aimed at capturing Taliban leadership.

Afghan and coalition security forces targeted the leader of a Taliban facilitation cell that specializes in logistics support and guidance for Taliban improvised explosive device leaders. He also reportedly transported a thousand pounds of homemade explosives from Pakistan to Zabul province.

The security force targeted a compound in the village of Sargon Kalay in Tarnek Wa Jaldak district to look for the targeted individual, who regularly moves weapons and foreign fighters from Pakistan into the province. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully, before the joint force cleared and secured the compound. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained one suspected insurgent.

In Helmand province, a separate security force targeted a Taliban judge with influence in Nad ‘Ali and Marjah districts. The assault force targeted a compound in remote Marjah district in pursuit of the judge. After an Afghan-led call-out, the joint force cleared and secured the area. The joint security force detained several suspected insurgents after questioning the residents at the scene.

The security force did not fire their weapons during either of the operations and they protected the women and children for the duration of the searches.