KABUL, Afghanistan – ISAF confirmed the capture of the Taliban district commander in charge of Garm Ser district of Helmand province during an Afghan and coalition force operation Thursday.
The district commander directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces as well as facilitating weapons and supplies for Taliban fighters within his district.
On Thursday, the security force targeted a compound in Mohammad Rahim Kalay in Garm Ser district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all residents to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning the residents at the scene, the assault force detained the commander and two suspected insurgents.
“Afghan and coalition forces are targeting the upper-level Taliban leaders operating in southern Afghanistan and in turn, de-stabilizing their insurgent networks,” said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “In the last month, we’ve detained five Taliban commanders in Helmand province and we’ll continue applying the pressure.”
Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the searches.