KABUL - An Afghan and coalition security force continued to target Haqqani Network insurgents in Khost province last night, this time focusing on a Haqqani weapons and improvised explosive device material facilitator in the village of Warghah.
The facilitator and several additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.
This follows several successful operations against the network this week, where at least a dozen insurgents were killed, possibly including the top Haqqani Network commander for the Khost-Gardez Pass, and the capture of several Haqqani leaders. As a result of careful planning and mitigation, no civilians were hurt or wounded in these operations.
The security force targeted a series of compounds to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces, acting on intelligence reports, quickly entered the compounds while coalition forces kept the area secured.
After initial questioning on the scene, the facilitator and suspected insurgents were detained. No shots were fired and the women and children were protected throughout the search.
"The Haqqani Network is a prevalent insurgent threat in Afghanistan right now and Afghan and coalition forces are focused on smothering their influence and power," said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF
Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.