Security force targets Taliban commander in Zabul

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.22.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in Zabul Saturday in pursuit of a Taliban commander who leads improvised explosive device and small arms fire attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces.

During the course of the operation, two insurgents were killed.

The security force targeted a compound in the village of Mar Bolag in Shah Joy district to search for the commander. As they approached, an air weapons team observed two armed insurgents demonstrating hostile intent. The air weapons team engaged, killing the men.

During a follow-on inspection of the area, the security force found an automatic weapon with four magazines and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two rounds.

After the area was secure, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the targeted compound peacefully and then questioned the residents.

The residents told the security force that insurgents steal their food and then bed down in the vicinity.

"This is a common complaint we are hearing during operations such as this," U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director, said. "The insurgents are criminals - intimidating, stealing from and killing innocent people. Our joint security forces will continue to pursue those responsible and bring them justice."

The security force did not take detainees from the compound and they protected the women and children throughout the duration of the search.

• Date Taken: 08.22.2010
• Date Posted: 08.22.2010 05:35
• Story ID: 54982
• Location: KABUL, AF