KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Helmand province Tuesday in their deliberate pursuit of the Nawah-ye Barakzai Taliban leadership.
The targeted individual is assessed to be the acting district commander of the Nawa Taliban network, a position he likely assumed after the capture of several members of this network since May, according to International Security Assistance Force officials.
The security force targeted a compound in remote Marjah district, to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then cleared the buildings. After questioning all the residents, the security force detained two suspected insurgents.
“We’ve been very successful in disrupting this hardened Taliban network, comprised of criminals who constantly harass and intimidate the peaceful people living in Nawa,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “We’ll continue targeting this network until stability and security are achieved and the Afghan people are able to maintain a district government that can withstand the Taliban’s threats.”
The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.