Wardak legal system improves, suspected insurgent detained as result

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.13.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - The Afghan National Police-Provincial Response Company and coalition forces detained a suspected insurgent discovered during a warranted search in the Mayden Shar District of Wardak province Wednesday.

In an effort to collect evidence and to build a case for prosecution against a suspected insurgent, the Wardak ANP-PRC successfully obtained a signed search warrant.

During the combined operation, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound peacefully and served the warrant to the resident.

"He read the document and accepted it without hesitation," said U.S. Army Capt. A. Anthony, Special Operations Task Unit leader.

While the search was underway, a member of the compound attempted to escape the search. An ANP-PRC officer fired a warning shot and apprehended the man without injury and held him as a suspect.

"The ANP officer successfully applied escalation of force protocol and detained the suspect without risking damage to property or civilians," said Army Maj. Ron Anzalone, Special Forces Task Force commander.

The ANP used an explosive residue detection kit to test the individual who tried to flee which yielded a positive result. A thorough search of the individual and his effects produced a trigger device which is commonly used on either improvised explosive devices or suicide vests. Currently, the suspected insurgent is in custody and waiting prosecution.

The ANP-PRC continued with the compound search. When the search was concluded and suspects detained, the ANP-PRC and other officials met with the village elders and local populace to explain the purpose of the operation.

"The operation to serve the warrant was well received by the local population who remarked that the use of Afghan Law and ISAF's (International Security Assistance Force) observance of Afghan culture while searching a home was the right approach," Anthony said.

"The search warrant and the operation was the direct result of an effort between coalition forces, the Wardak deputy chief of police, district attorney and the provincial anti-terrorism judge. This marks significant progress in the Afghan judicial system in Wardak," Anzalone said.

• Date Taken: 08.13.2010
• Date Posted: 08.13.2010 11:48
• Story ID: 54529
• Location: KABUL, AF