Afghan, coalition forces target Taliban leadership in Ghazni, Kandahar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.25.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained eight suspects during three joint security operations targeting the Taliban network in Ghazni and Kandahar provinces yesterday.

In Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader responsible for attacks on Afghan National Security Forces in the Gelan District detaining two suspected insurgents during a security operation.

The targeted Taliban leader receives early warning from fellow insurgents who watch Highway 1 and ANSF bases in order to conduct attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also focuses mainly on improvised explosive device and suicide bomber facilitation. Recent reporting indicates his group was making two suicide vehicle-borne IEDs to be used against coalition forces operating in the province.

The security force followed intelligence tips to the potential compound of the Taliban leader in Gelan District. 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. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining two suspected insurgents.

In Kandahar, Afghan and coalition forces detained six detainees as they focused two operations on a Taliban attack facilitator.

The security team conducted the operations in search of the facilitator who supplies, plans and reports attacks against coalition forces and has multiple affiliations with other insurgents.

Forces followed leads to a series of targeted buildings in two areas of the Zharay District. The joint forces searched the areas where, in one location, they discovered a 40-pound IED, 40-pounds of homemade explosives, 20 pressure plates used in the construction of IEDs, rockets and mortar rounds. Forces conducted a controlled detonation of the explosives at the site to ensure the safety of local residents.

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

• Date Taken: 12.25.2010
• Date Posted: 12.25.2010 23:51
• Story ID: 62604
• Location: KABUL, AF