KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces conducted a security operation in Waygal district, Nuristan province, yesterday.

During the operation the security force identified the al-Qaida-associated insurgent Khanjar, also known as Turab. The security force engaged Khanjar and killed him.

Khanjar was an insurgent leader with ties to both the al-Qaida terrorist organization and the Taliban insurgency. He provided safe-haven to al-Qaida members operating throughout Nuristan and coordinated Taliban activities in the region. He also oversaw the training of Taliban insurgents in the province.

After the engagement, the security force conducted a follow-on assessment of the area and confirmed no civilians had been harmed and no civilian property had been damaged.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Nawah-ye Barakzai district, Helmand province, today. The Taliban leader is a specialist in the use of improvised explosive devices and directs IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout northern Helmand. As a result of the operation, the security force detained multiple suspected insurgents and seized more than 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of explosive material and IED components.

This work, ISAF Joint Command evening operational update, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.