KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed Hafiz, a Taliban leader, along with several other armed combatants, and detained several combatants during an operation yesterday in Takhar province.
Hafiz was a Taliban leader from Darqad district and led attacks against local Afghan village security forces. He assisted Pakistan-based Taliban facilitators by moving money, weapons, ammunition and fighters from Kunduz province to Takhar province. The Taliban provincial shadow governor and district shadow governor were closely associated with the now-deceased Taliban leader. He also had ties with an al-Qaida facilitator.
Multiple intelligence sources led the security force to the targeted building in Khwajah Ghar district. As the joint security force arrived, armed combatants shot at them with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire. The security force returned fire resulting in Hafiz and several armed combatants being killed.
After the building was secure, several suspected combatants were detained based on initial questioning at the scene. Security forces recovered multiple RPGs and launchers, numerous AK-47's and ammunition from the scene.