ISAF Joint Command morning operational update

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.17.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-led combined security force killed more than 10 insurgents and detained another during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader and his network in Kuz Kunar District, Nangarhar province, yesterday.

The leader plans and conducts attacks against Afghan government officials and security forces and also operates as a facilitator in the district.

The security force received several intelligence tips indicating the Taliban leader and his associates had taken over a building in the area as a staging location. While the Afghan-led security force moved to conduct an assessment of the building, they were engaged by insurgents using machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and AK-47 rifles. The security force responded to the insurgent fire, killing several of the attackers.

The security force moved to conduct the assessment following the initial engagement when additional armed insurgents initiated fire from inside the building.

The Afghan-led security force, using native languages, called for the insurgents to exit the buildings peacefully. The insurgents remained non-compliant and continued their assault on the security force. The force continued attempts to de-escalate the situation, however the insurgents continued to fire.

As Afghan members of the security force attempted to clear the building, they were met with continuing insurgent fire. As a force protection measure due to the continuous attack, the security force called in an air strike, which killed several more insurgents and destroyed the building.

The security force assessed that there were no civilian casualties as a result of the incident, and the scene was left in control of local authorities.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

An Afghan-led combined security force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator in Taloqan District, Takhar province, yesterday. The facilitator plans and coordinates suicide attacks, and recent reporting indicates he was planning imminent suicide bomb attacks in the area.

South

In Nahr-e Saraj District, Helmand province, an Afghan-led security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader yesterday. The leader participates in roadside bomb and small arms attacks against Afghan National Security Forces.

East

A coalition patrol discovered a weapons cache yesterday in Tanai District, Khost province. The cache consisted of two mortars, 109 mortar rounds, 20 rocket propelled grenades, 23 anti personnel mines, one anti-tank mine, 32 grenades, 30 fuses and several meters of detonation cord. All the weapons were seized and will be destroyed.

Also in the east, a combined Afghan and coalition patrol discovered a weapons cache in Muhammad Aghah District, Logar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of approximately 1,190 pounds (540 kilograms) of potassium chloride and one jug filled with 40 pounds (18 kilograms) of homemade explosives. The patrol seized and safely destroyed the items.

In Sabari District, Khost province, an Afghan-led security force captured a Haqqani network facilitator and two of his associates during an overnight operation. The facilitator was responsible for movement of Haqqani fighters and finances and had communication ties with Haqqani members in Miram Shah, Pakistan.

• Date Taken: 07.17.2011
• Date Posted: 07.17.2011 06:05
• Story ID: 73860
• Location: KABUL, AF