UPDATE Taliban deputy commander for Lashkar Gah District captured

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.14.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL -The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the Taliban deputy commander of Lashkar Gah District, who commanded more than 100 fighters, during an Afghan-led security force operation in Helmand province Aug. 4.

The security force targeted a compound east of Kharowtan in Nahr-e Saraj District to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents, the security force detained the commander along with several additional suspected insurgents.

The assault force found an AK-47 with several magazines along with Pakistani money at the scene. Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.

"We're happy to announce another key capture of Taliban leadership operating in southern Afghanistan. These operations prevent violent extremists from being able to threaten Afghan sovereignty or maintain safe havens from which they can threaten the security of the Afghan people," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.

• Date Taken: 08.14.2010
• Date Posted: 08.14.2010 05:54
• Story ID: 54578
• Location: KABUL, AF