KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces continued their pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander responsible for leading attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan and coalition forces in Paktiya province Thursday.
During the operation, three insurgents were killed and several more were detained.
As the assault force approached the targeted compound, three armed insurgents ran from the compound and posed an imminent threat on the assault force. The assault force engaged and killed the insurgents, who were armed with AK-47s, multiple grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher along and multiple rounds.
After the area was secure, Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully, and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents at the scene, the security force detained three insurgents. They also found an automatic weapon with rounds located in the compound.
"These operations prevent violent extremists from being able to threaten Afghan sovereignty or maintain safe havens from which they can threaten the security of people around the world," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The pressure will continue on those standing in the way of freedom and stability for the Afghan people."
The security force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.