ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.27.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network leader and several of his associates during a security operation in Gardez District, Paktiya province, yesterday.

The leader commanded approximately 30 to 40 fighters operating in Khost and Gardez Districts. He and his fighters were actively involved in anti-government operations along the main road between Sperah and Nadir Shah Kot Districts, Khost province.

The combined security force tracked the leader to his compound in Gardez District. After isolating the compound, an Afghan member of the force called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully, ensuring the safety of all women and children.

The Afghan-led force searched the area and conducted interviews with residents. During the interviews the force was able to identify and detain the leader and several of his associates for further questioning.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

In Nahr-e Saraj District, Helmand province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader yesterday.

The leader is responsible for planning and commanding operations against Afghan forces. He coordinates weapons procurement and insurgent fighter distribution in the district. The leader also coordinates battle space between tactical Taliban cells.

Based on several reports of insurgent activity in the area, the combined security force searched for the leader at a compound in the district. The Afghan-led force conducted interviews with residents, resulting in the detention of several individuals with suspected ties to Taliban activity for further questioning.

No civilians were harmed during the operation

In Kandahar city, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during a security operation yesterday.

The leader directs a core group of insurgent fighters augmented by al Qaida associated foreign fighters assembled in Quetta, Pakistan.

The Afghan-led security force searched the leaders suspected compound in Kandahar City based on numerous reporting of Taliban activity in the area. After securing and clearing the compound, the force conducted interviews with residents who helped them identify two suspected insurgents. Both individuals were detained for further questioning about Taliban activity in the city.

No civilians were harmed during the search and no shots were fired.

East

In Manduzai District, Khost province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained one suspected insurgent during a security operation yesterday.

The operation targeted a Haqqani Network leader, who is directly involved in improvised explosive device manufacturing and attacks against Afghan government establishments and the Afghan national army.

Following intelligence leads, the combined security force searched a compound associated with the leader. The combined force interviewed residents and detained one individual with suspected ties to Haqqani activities in the area.

The force conducted and completed the search without the use of force and protected all civilians during the operation.

In Charkh District, Logar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during a clearance operation yesterday.

The clearance operation was conducted in an area historically associated with multiple Taliban facilitators in order to disrupt future insurgent activity.

The Afghan-led security force searched multiple buildings looking for Taliban activity in the area. During the search, an Afghan member of the force conducted interviews with residents. With their help, the force identified and detained two individuals with suspected ties to insurgent activity.

Throughout the search, the force was careful to ensure the safety of all women and children

• Date Taken: 05.27.2011
• Date Posted: 05.27.2011 03:00
• Story ID: 71180
• Location: KABUL, AF