Forces disrupt Taliban attack networks in Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.13.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces destroyed a significant weapons cache and detained a Taliban senior leader along with several suspected criminal associates in a joint security operation in the Dishu District of Helmand province Friday.

Security forces detained the senior leader in one of the ongoing operations aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s efforts to raise funds by trafficking narcotics.

The detained Taliban leader is also known to possess and transfer critically-manufactured components used in improvised explosive devices. He is directly involved in managing weapons and narcotics supply routes between Pakistan and southern Afghanistan.

Security forces searched several compounds during the joint security operation. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all the occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before the joint team secured the area and conducted the search.

The security forces detained several additional suspected criminal associates after conducting questioning and finding numerous weapons, along with a rocket-propelled grenade, pistol, hand grenade and anti-aircraft 20mm rounds on the scene. A vehicle on the scene also tested positive for ammonium nitrate, commonly used in IEDs.

The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons. No women or children were injured or detained during the operation.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2010
• Date Posted: 11.13.2010 00:38
• Story ID: 60042
• Location: KABUL, AF