KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol targeted a senior Taliban leader during an operation in Musa Qal’ah District, Helmand province today.
The target has commanded approximately 300 fighters and coordinated weapons and improvised explosive device components to Taliban cells in Sangin.
After Afghan forces performed a call-out to give the occupants of the compound a chance to exit the area peacefully, they began clearing the buildings in the compound.
During the search, five women and 11 children were separated and protected.
After seeing the joint force moving towards him, one man ducked into a nearby building and emerged with a rifle. He attempted to engage the force and was killed. Another man offered to help the force search a room and while they were searching, pulled a handgun from underneath a mattress. He attempted to engage the force and was killed.
Two men were detained during the operation and taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.