Security forces nab Taliban, Haqqani, Al Qaeda insurgent leaders

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.19.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL – Afghan and coalition security forces captured several Haqqani Network and several Talban leaders to include a dual-hatted Taliban sub-commander and Al Qaeda group leader in Afghanistan during 36 separate operations this week.

More than 83 percent of the operations were conducted without shots being fired due to measures taken to avoid civilian casualties. The Afghan-led operations resulted in more than 110 suspected insurgents detained and more than 20 insurgents killed.

Afghan locals in Kunduz province witnessed Taliban insurgents attacking a police station in the Aliabad district. After the insurgents fled, an air weapons team engaged after they determined no civilians were in the area. The International Security Assistance Forces confirmed the engagement killed Abu Baqir, a dual-hatted Taliban sub-commander and Al Qaeda group leader.

Later that day, Afghan and coalition security forces struck at the Taliban leadership connected to improvised explosives device networks and attack planning in two eastern Afghanistan provinces. Security forces captured a Taliban sub-commander in Paktika’s Mota Khan district. Just north in Logar, a separate security force captured a Taliban facilitator. Both Taliban figures provided materials and planned attacks against Afghan civilian and Afghan and coalition forces.

A combined security force discovered and destroyed a large Taliban weapons cache in Kandahar province Tuesday night. The ensuing fire fight resulted in 10 insurgents killed.

Afghan-led forces also targeted the Haqqani Network in eastern Afghanistan this week. Over the past three days, the security force captured a Haqqani Network facilitator in Khost and a Haqqani sub-commander in Paktiya. Both Haqqani leaders are involved in the logistics of IED attacks.

“We continue to aggressively pursue known enemies of the Afghan people,” said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “The effective operations, which are carefully planned and executed to mitigate civilian casualties, will continue to create the time and space necessary for enduring governance and development initiatives to take root.”

• Date Taken: 08.19.2010
• Date Posted: 08.19.2010 04:28
• Story ID: 54821
• Location: KABUL, AF