Taliban leaders targeted, suspected insurgents detained overnight

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.23.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents during three operations in eastern Afghanistan overnight.

A joint security force detained one suspected insurgent during an operation targeting the acting Taliban shadow governor for Pakitka province.

The targeted individual stands in for the shadow governor when he is hiding across the border in Pakistan. He also oversees Taliban operations in five Paktika districts and is responsible for improvised explosive device attacks along busy roads, kidnappings of local nationals and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Intelligence led the security force to a compound north of Mollayano Kala in Sharana district to search for the individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the area. The security force detained the suspected insurgent after initial questioning at the scene.

In Paktiya province, a separate security force conducted an operation detaining several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in charge of up to 15 Taliban fighters. The targeted individual’s cell emplaces IED's along public roads and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition patrols.

Intelligence information led the security force to a compound in remote Zurmat district to search for the individual. After an Afghan-led callout, the joint security force cleared and secured the area.

The security force detained the suspected insurgents after finding IED making material, including blasting caps, along with armor piercing rounds and an automatic weapon during the search.

A third security force in Logar province detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader for the Baraki Barak area of Logar province. The targeted individual acts as an IED and weapons expert for the Taliban while also planning and executing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Baraki Barak.

The joint security team conducted the operations in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were injured or detained during these operations.

• Date Taken: 11.23.2010
• Date Posted: 11.23.2010 02:00
• Story ID: 60690
• Location: KABUL, AF