Senior insurgent killed in International Security Assistance Force operation in Lowgar Province

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

02.21.2009

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – It has been confirmed that a senior insurgent was killed and five others were detained during an Afghan national security forces-led operation near Bagh-e-soltan village, in Lowgar province today.

Shriin Agha, an insurgent who was responsible for directing and facilitating the placement of improvised explosive devices was killed in this operation. Agha's actions had placed the lives of Afghan civilians at risk, as well as Afghan national security forces and ISAF troops. Agha was further involved in kidnapping an Afghan civilian.

One of the detainees named Munib, is suspected of assembling IEDs in Lowgar that were used indiscriminately against local Afghan civilians as well as ANSF and ISAF troops. He is also suspected of kidnapping government representatives and aid workers, as well as planning and leading attacks against resupply convoys.

The operation was successful in locating both insurgents quickly and professionally, with a minimum of force applied by ANSF and ISAF members. No civilians were injured or killed in the operation.

ISAF spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Richard Blanchette said: "The success of this operation shows the people of Afghanistan that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to providing the security and stability needed in this country.

"Through the cooperation of the ANSF and ISAF forces, the impact on the Insurgents' ability to carry out IED attacks will be significant. The end result is an improvement in the lives of the residents of Lowgar province, as these individuals will no longer threaten the lives of innocent Afghans."

• Date Taken: 02.21.2009
• Date Posted: 02.21.2009 10:21
• Story ID: 30268
• Location: KABUL, AF