Afghan, coalition force targets Taliban district leader in Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.02.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeting the Taliban district leader for Musa Qal’ah, who also acts as an improvised explosive device expert and facilitator, detained two suspected insurgents and killed one during an overnight operation in Helmand province.

The targeted individual leads his own personal network of IED experts, supplying Taliban senior leaders in the area with lethal IED technology and training.

Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in Kajaki district to search for the district leader. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully, and then the joint security force cleared and secured the area.

After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained two suspected insurgents, one of whom identified himself as an opium farmer.

As the security force was preparing to depart the area, they shot and killed an armed insurgent carrying an AK-47 and grenade, after he threatened the security force.

The security force also discovered and destroyed a pressure-plate IED and multiple grenades at the scene.

The security force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2010
• Date Posted: 11.02.2010 01:59
• Story ID: 59259
• Location: KABUL, AF