Coalition forces target Taliban military leader with precision air strike

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.20.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan –– Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Baghlan province Tuesday targeting a Taliban military senior leader who conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces as well as intimidation campaigns on Afghan civilians and government officials.

The military leader has worked with the Taliban shadow governor for Burkah district and was the Taliban leader in Baghlan-e Jadid district before being forced by coalition forces to relocate.

Based on intelligence sources, coalition forces tracked a group of insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades to a remote area in Burkah district. After verifying insurgent activity and careful planning to avoid civilian casualties, coalition forces conducted a precision air strike.

The security force was unable to conduct an immediate ground assessment, but initial reports indicate several insurgents were killed. The International Security Assistance Force is still gathering information to confirm the reports and determine if the targeted individual was among those killed.

The Afghan and coalition force’s deliberate campaign to disrupt Taliban operations in Badghis and neighboring Faryab provinces has resulted in more than five Taliban senior leaders killed, including the shadow governors for Badghis and Faryab provinces, and one captured, during several operations this month.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2010
• Date Posted: 10.19.2010 23:26
• Story ID: 58456
• Location: KABUL, AF