Forces target Taliban leaders in Wardak, Kandahar provinces

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.15.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban facilitator during an operation yesterday, killing several armed insurgents in Wardak province.

The targeted Taliban facilitator operates in Nerkh District, providing weapons and improvised explosive device components to local Taliban leaders and insurgents. He is in direct contact and supports the Taliban leaders for the area.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound in Nerkh District. Armed insurgents were observed leaving the compound as the security force arrived. The security force secured the compound and moved to interdict the evading armed insurgents.

As the security force approached the armed insurgents they were fired upon. The security force returned fire resulting in several armed insurgents being killed. Security forces recovered a machine gun, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, multiple AK-47s, chest racks and ammunition from the scene.

In Kandahar province yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader who operates out of Maiwand District detaining numerous suspected insurgents during a security operation.

The Taliban leader is responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces as well as the movement of weapons and IED components. He has direct ties to other Taliban leaders in Kandahar province. Recent reporting indicates he conducted over watch on a possible IED attack and had insurgents prepare two IEDs for an upcoming attack.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where they secured the area and conducted a search. The security force detained the suspected insurgents after initial questioning at the scene. The security force recovered an AK-47, a grenade, a pistol, 20 pounds (9 kilograms) wet opium and ammunition.

The security force conducted the operation in Kandahar without firing their weapons. No women or children were injured or detained during the operation.

• Date Taken: 01.15.2011
• Date Posted: 01.15.2011 01:54
• Story ID: 63588
• Location: KABUL, AF