Forces detain Taliban explosive device cell leader in Paktiya

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.21.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban improvised explosive device cell leader during a security operation in Paktiya province yesterday.

The detained leader operated in Gardez, Sayyid Karam and Ahmadabad districts of the province as a subordinate to the Taliban shadow governor of the province. He was planning and coordinating IED attacks with another Taliban leader before his detainment Dec. 16. He also had plans for an IED attack on an Afghan National Security Force convoy.

The security force received intelligence tips that the targeted individual and two associates were hiding in a Gardez Mosque in order to avoid capture. Afghan National Army personnel, in conjunction with coalition forces, located the individuals hiding in the mosque. After numerous attempts by Afghan forces to call the insurgent out of the mosque he exited the mosque peacefully and was apprehended along with two other associates.

Security forces have detained several targeted individuals along with associates hiding in Gardez-area mosques over the last week.

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

The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.

• Date Taken: 12.21.2010
• Date Posted: 12.21.2010 00:50
• Story ID: 62376
• Location: KABUL, AF