Afghan and coalition force captures IED-maker, kills insurgents in Kunduz

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.22.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and captured an improvised explosive device maker along with additional suspected insurgents in Kunduz province July 20.

The security force went to the first of a series of targeted compounds in the village of Qareh Khani in the Chahar Darah District in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates weapons and orders IED and rocket attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the targeted compounds. One heavily armed individual ran outside the compound and engaged the security force. The combined force returned fire, killing the insurgent.

The combined force then moved to clear and secure the building.

While clearing the area, the security force was engaged by an insurgent barricaded within one of the buildings and another insurgent in the courtyard. Returning fire, the assault force killed the insurgents.

After the compound was cleared and secured, the assault force detained the IED maker and an additional suspected insurgent for further questioning.

Evidence collected at the scene directly linked the IED maker to a pressure plate IED attack that occurred less than three kilometers from the targeted compound on April 14. Additionally, several other IED related incidents have occurred in the immediate area over the last two years. IED materials including blasting caps and wire were found at the compound.

"This is another key capture toward ensuring the safety of the innocent Afghan civilians residing in Chahar Darah District," said Col. James Dawkins, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The Taliban's indiscriminate use of such tactics has killed hundreds of innocent civilians just this year."

At the second compound, two armed males ran from the buildings into some thick vegetation. Afghan forces called for the individuals to peacefully surrender however, they engaged the combined force and were subsequently killed.

After the compound was cleared and secured, the security force questioned the remaining residents. One suspected insurgent was detained by the security force for further questioning.

The women and children present were protected throughout the searches.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2010
• Date Posted: 07.22.2010 15:02
• Story ID: 53234
• Location: KABUL, AF