Taliban explosive device leader captured in Kandahar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.01.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and two of his associates, including a recent Sarpoza prison escapee, during a security operation in Zharay District, Kandahar province, yesterday.

The leader is responsible for directing explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Pashmul area, Zharay. His group is responsible for an explosive device attack in the Ushmad area April 22.

After extensive intelligence gathering, the security force targeted the leader’s suspected compound in the district. While isolating the compound, the force observed one suspected insurgent attempting to evade. The force continued with their search of the initial building, then detained the evader. Another evader was also captured during the search.

The force continued searching the buildings and conducting interviews with residents. Based on the information provided by residents, the insurgent leader was identified and detained.

This is the second Taliban explosives expert captured in as many days in Zharay. Yesterday, the combined force also detained an explosive device expert and several of his associates and found numerous homemade bomb materials, including 225 blasting caps.

Blasting caps are small devices generally used to detonate larger, more powerful explosives, such as dynamite, TNT or plastic explosives used for homemade bombs.

Besides the discovery of the blasting caps, the force discovered more than 1,100 pounds (498 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate, as well as transmitters and receivers while conducting missions in Kandahar.

Targeting and capturing these two leaders who specialize in explosive device attacks is part of an Afghan and coalition force effort to create more freedom of movement for the local citizens living within the province.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2011
• Date Posted: 05.01.2011 02:03
• Story ID: 69639
• Location: KABUL, AF