Senior Taliban leader targeted in Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.07.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan national security and International Security Assistance Forces targeted a senior Taliban leader during an operation, resulting in two insurgents being killed in Kajaki District, Helmand province, Dec. 7.

The targeted senior Taliban leader ran a network of insurgents, providing guidance, direction and funding of insurgent activities within the district. He also is reportedly a vital link in the facilitation of improvised explosive devices and indirect fire attacks and has participated in numerous attacks against Afghan security forces and ISAF.

Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led the joint security force to the suspected location of the senior Taliban leader. As the force arrived at the target location, Afghan police conducted a call out, allowing all occupants to exit peacefully. Five children exited and were protected. The security force then entered and searched the compound, finding a narcotics lab and 11 pounds of opium.

The joint security force then moved to an adjacent compound and commenced a call out when one suspected insurgent exited the building using a woman as a human shield. He was assessed as a potential suicide bomber. He then made threats towards the security force and was subsequently killed with precision fire. The woman was unharmed and protected for the remainder of the operation.

After the engagement, two additional women and six children exited the building and were allowed to return to the building to bring out additional occupants. They exited shortly afterwards with an additional woman. As they walked towards the security force, the additional woman’s veil fell and exposed a man with a beard. The security force then demanded the man posing as a woman to halt. The man continued to move towards the force while disregarding all commands from the security force to halt. He demonstrated hostile intent and was shot and killed.

The compound was then cleared and searched and almost 210 pounds of opium was found.

The narcotics lab and the opium were safely destroyed prior to the departure of the security force.

ISAF is in the process of confirming the identity of the killed individuals. Initial reports indicate that no civilians were harmed during the operation.

• Date Taken: 12.07.2010
• Date Posted: 12.08.2010 13:27
• Story ID: 61569
• Location: KABUL, AF