Coalition forces target explosive device cell with air strike

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.23.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Ghazni province yesterday targeting a Taliban improvised explosive device cell, killing a Taliban leader and two insurgents.

The dead Taliban leader, identified as Abdul Hai, was the leader for Andar district. He was responsible for planning and implementing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the central Ghazni province. He was in direct contact with the Taliban communication leader for the province.

Abdul Hai was also involved with the double suicide attack on an Afghan National Army bus in Kabul Dec. 19 resulting in numerous soldiers being killed and injured.

Based on intelligence sources, coalition forces tracked the cell to an area in Waghaz district. The targeted individuals were observed carrying weapons and attempting to emplace an IED on the side of the road. After careful planning to protect any civilians and property in the immediate area, coalition forces conducted a precision air strike.

A follow-on force conducted a ground assessment and recovered 40-pounds of explosive device making material, multiple AK-47's, a chest rack, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with multiple rounds and grenades. The ground force verified three insurgents were killed.

Following further intelligence sources, an Afghan and coalition force searched a compound in Waghaz district where the remaining IED cell members were located. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the building.

As the security force cleared and secured the buildings, they encountered an armed individual who threatened the security force. The security force shot and killed the man. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining two suspected insurgents. A large quantity of ammunition as well as IED components were found with the detainees.

No women or children were injured during the operation.

• Date Taken: 12.23.2010
• Date Posted: 12.22.2010 22:50
• Story ID: 62506
• Location: KABUL, AF