Taliban leader captured in Paktiya province last night

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.29.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban leader heavily involved in improvised explosive device attacks, in Paktiya province Tuesday.

The individual is known to conduct pressure plate, remote-controlled and command-wire IED attacks, endangering the local population. He was also involved in attacks on reconstruction operations and the assassinations of Afghan government officials.

“This was a key capture for Afghan and coalition forces as well as Afghan civilians living in Paktiya province,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “This leader haunted the Afghan people with his indiscriminate and violent activities. We’re happy to remove him from the battlefield.”

Intelligence reports led the security force to a remote compound in Gardez district to search for the targeted individual. 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 area.

After initial questioning at the scene, the security force identified and detained the leader along with one of his associates. The security force also discovered an 82mm artillery round and ammunition at the scene.

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

• Date Taken: 09.29.2010
• Date Posted: 09.29.2010 04:15
• Story ID: 57158
• Location: KABUL, AF