KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces used a precision air strike in Ghowr province yesterday, June 9, to target local warlord and Taliban commander Mullah Mustafa, who was responsible for attacks along the main highway in the border areas of Ghowr and Herat provinces.
When intelligence sources recently confirmed Mustafa's location in a remote, mountainous area of Shahrak District, Ghowr province, forces began planning an operation to remove him. Coalition forces observed armed sentries outside his compound, indicating the militant was concerned for his own safety. Reports indicated he had recently acquired six remotely controlled improvised explosive devices, distributing them to subordinates for use against the coalition.
Yesterday, coalition forces observed Mustafa moving by vehicle from the compound. When he stopped in a remote area, he was joined by multiple militants. Determining no civilians would be endangered; forces used precision aerial munitions to strike the group, killing Mustafa and as many as 16 other associated militants.
The commander of approximately 100 fighters in western Afghanistan, Mustafa had recently met with senior Taliban leaders, and reportedly had connections to Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Quds Force.