Afghan, coalition forces target insurgent leaders in east, south

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.23.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted Taliban and Haqqani Network leadership during operations in Khost, Kandahar and Nangarhar provinces, detaining more than 15 suspected insurgents yesterday.

In Kandahar province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader who operates in Spin Boldak district, detaining numerous suspected insurgents during a security operation.

The targeted Taliban leader is responsible for planning and executing attacks against coalition forces. He is associated with other Taliban leaders in the province to include the Spin Boldak district Taliban leader. Recent reporting indicates he had Taliban insurgents place improvised explosive devices for future attacks.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search after securing the compound. The suspected insurgents were detained for their insurgent activities after initial questioning at the scene.

Multiple AK-47's, chest racks, a pressure plate, an IED detonation device, 35 blasting caps and ammunition were recovered by the security force.

In Khost province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Haqqani Network facilitator who operates across the district during a security operation, detaining several suspected insurgents.

The targeted Haqqani Network facilitator supplies mortars and heavy weaponry to Haqqani Network leaders in Sabari district for attacks on Afghan National Army and coalition force members. He has ties to other Haqqani Network leaders and facilitators in the area. Recent reporting indicates he attempted an IED attack on coalition forces in the area.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in Sabari district. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search and securing the area. Several insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

In Nangarhar province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader during a security operation, detaining one suspected insurgent.

The Taliban leader is active within Sherzad district where he planned and conducted attacks against coalition forces. He was previously subordinate to a senior Taliban leader before the leader’s detainment. He led a 25-man insurgent cell responsible for an attack on coalition forces near Tormai village last year that destroyed a coalition vehicle.

Following intelligence leads, security forces targeted a compound in the district. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search and securing the area. The suspected insurgent was detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

An AK-47, pistol, chest rack, ammunition and a large amount of marijuana were discovered inside the compound.

• Date Taken: 01.23.2011
• Date Posted: 01.23.2011 23:15
• Story ID: 64086
• Location: KABUL, AF