NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Afghan Commandos with the 1st Special Operations Kandak detained a suspected insurgent during clearing operations Sept. 5 in Nangarhar province.
Afghan commandos also found 50 pounds of opium, an assault rifle and two six-pound explosive devices in Chaparhar and Pachir Wa Agam districts. The explosives and drugs were destroyed in place.
“The people should be certain and have faith in their qualified commandos,” said Brig. Gen. Abdul Karim, commander of the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command. “We will destroy the enemy and clear the area.”
The intent of the operation was to degrade insurgent movement and to counter militant intimidation toward the Afghan people.
“We can all hopefully live in a safe and peaceful environment,” Karim said.
Afghan National Army Special Forces commandos are an elite group that conducts high-risk operations in remote areas known to be enemy strongholds. The counterinsurgency missions they conduct assist national and local police in their efforts to increase security, governance and development.
No civilians were injured, and there were no reports of structural damage during the operation. The detainee was transferred to the district National Directorate of Security.
This operation demonstrates how Afghan National Security Forces have irreversibly taken the lead for Afghanistan’s security, underscoring the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Tranche 5, Milestone 2013 announcement this summer.