KUNDUZ PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Members of the Counterterrorism Strike Force, mentored by the Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF) and the National Directorate of Security (NDS), captured a Taliban cell leader and an improvised explosive device manufacturer during a clearing operation in Archi district, Kunduz province, June 26.
The combined Afghan forces conducted a unilateral operation to disrupt insurgent networks in Bajawri village, an area known to be a Taliban stronghold and to enhance the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s ability to support Archi district citizens.
“As our missions are being developed at the Operation Coordination Centers, the ANP, ANASF, NDS, and commandos come together to synchronize our responsibilities,” said ANASF team leader Cpt. Ahmad Waheed Rajab. “This cooperation allows us to confirm every unit’s role and position during operations. The outcome of this cooperation has been very successful.”
The combined forces began the operation by clearing a large area surrounding the village, where the Counterterrorism Strike Force discovered two suspicious individuals in close proximity to the Wazir Khan Afghan National Police checkpoint. The ANASF recognized the two individuals as Taliban and transferred them to the NDS for confirmation.
Progress in Afghanistan is real and tangible. With the recent announcement of Afghan forces taking full responsibility of security, the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command will mark this operational achievement as another important success for Afghanistan.
After the operation, Kunduz NDS chief identified the first individual as Nazamudin, a local Taliban cell leader. His accomplice, Enayatullah, is a known improvised explosive devise fabricator and distributor. Together, both men are responsible for numerous attacks on Afghan National Security Forces while endangering the lives of innocent villagers in Archi district.
“The detention of these two individuals definitely reduces the Taliban capabilities and destabilizes their lines of authority in the area,” said Kunduz NDS Chief Ghulam Ali Wafa. “This will limit the enemy’s freedom of movement in southern Archi district.”
The ANASF are elite military forces that conduct high-risk counterinsurgency operations in remote areas known to be enemy strongholds. These successful missions demonstrate the Afghan National Security Forces’ ability to provide security to the Afghan population while enabling governance and continued development throughout Afghanistan.