Taliban assassination cell leader, weapons facilitator captured

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.08.2010

Courtesy Story

IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban weapons facilitator for Kandahar City and Dand District, and a Taliban senior leader who may be linked to the assassination of the deputy mayor of Kandahar City this week, during an overnight operation in the city.

Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in Kandahar City to search for the facilitator, who distributed weapons from Pakistan to commanders operating in Kandahar City.

Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then the joint force cleared and secured the compound. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force identified and detained the facilitator along with one of his associates.

The security force then conducted a follow-on operation at a compound nearby, targeting a Taliban senior leader who commands an assassination cell in the city and who may be linked to the assassination of the deputy mayor as well as a National Defense Service officer.

After the Afghan-led call out, the combined force cleared and secured the targeted compound. The security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the senior leader and six of his associates.

The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the searches.

• Date Taken: 10.08.2010
• Date Posted: 10.08.2010 03:45
• Story ID: 57713
• Location: KABUL, AF