Taliban commander captured during operation in Logar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.22.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban commander in Logar province Tuesday who directed complex indirect fire, improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.

He also commanded Hezb-E Gulbuddin fighters in Logar.

“This is an important capture, which will further disrupt the Taliban and HIG operations in northern Logar,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center. “He and his associates, some of whom are already detained by Afghan and coalition forces, are responsible for attacks against FOB Shank and multiple IED attacks, which put the civilian populace in constant danger.”

Based on intelligence reports, the security force targeted a compound in the village of Pyarokhel in Pul-e Alam district to search for the commander, who also participates in financing the insurgency. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound.

After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force identified and detained the commander along with two of his associates. The security force also discovered and destroyed multiple weapons, including grenades and an AK-47, and IED material, including detonation cord and homemade explosive, at the scene.

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

• Date Taken: 09.22.2010
• Date Posted: 09.22.2010 04:40
• Story ID: 56765
• Location: KABUL, AF