Forces target insurgent leadership in Khost, Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.12.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Haqqani Network leader detaining numerous suspected combatants and killing two armed combatants during an operation yesterday in Khost province.

In addition to operating in Bak and Terayzai districts, the Haqqani Network leader is responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks against coalition forces. He provides reports to Haqqani Network senior leaders of his network activities as well as Afghan and coalition forces. He is in direct contact with other Haqqani Network leaders.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound in Bak district. As the joint security force arrived, armed combatants threatened the force and fled the immediate location. The security force followed the armed combatants, resulting in two being killed.

The security force continued to the compound where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the compound. After the compound was secure, several suspected combatants were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

Security forces recovered a machine gun with 800 rounds, multiple rifles, a complete mortar system with round, pistol and ammunition.

The assault force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

In Helmand province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban facilitator who operates in Durzay village, detaining several suspected insurgents during a security operation yesterday.

The Taliban facilitator has direct contact with Taliban leaders in the area. He provides reports on Taliban attacks and information on coalition force movements to Taliban leaders located in Pakistan. The Taliban facilitator is involved with opium processing and trafficking to finance and facilitate insurgent operations. Due to increased Afghan and coalition presence he emplaced improvised explosive devices in the village to protect himself from future Afghan and coalition missions targeting him, according to recent reporting.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in Garm Ser district, where they secured the area and conducted a search. The security team detained two suspected insurgents based on initial questioning at the scene.

A separate security force went to a second targeted location in the district, where they secured the area and conducted a search. Several suspected insurgents were detained based on their insurgent activities during initial questioning.

No women or children were injured or detained during the Helmand operation and the security force did not fire their weapons.

• Date Taken: 01.12.2011
• Date Posted: 01.12.2011 23:30
• Story ID: 63452
• Location: KABUL, AF