Taliban commanders captured in Logar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.29.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - Afghan and coalition security forces captured Zia Ul-Haq, a senior Taliban commander operating in Logar province and responsible for the facilitation of foreign fighters and suicide bombers into Kabul City, during an operation Wednesday.

The security force also captured a Taliban sub-commander responsible for planning and coordinating attacks during the operation.

Zia Ul-Haq had replaced Ghulam Sakhi who was killed during an Afghan and coalition force operation in June. Sakhi tried to hide amongst a group of women and children disguised in women's attire, and was killed after he brandished a pistol and a grenade and shot at the security force.

The assault force targeted a series of compounds in Pul-e 'Alam District in pursuit of the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit each of the compounds peacefully, and then secured the areas. After questioning all of the residents at the scenes, the security force identified and detained Zia Ul-Haq, the sub-commander and an additional insurgent.

"We've focused our attention on the insurgent networks operating in Logar," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Since the beginning of the month, several Taliban leaders have been captured and an additional two were killed during these operations. Afghan and coalition forces are removing these dangerous individuals off the streets to help bring peace and security to the
Afghan people."

The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2010
• Date Posted: 08.29.2010 08:07
• Story ID: 55337
• Location: KABUL, AF