KABUL - Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Thursday, including a Taliban commander operating in Arghandab District and Kandahar City.
The commander orchestrated and ordered attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and profited from weapons trafficking in the region.
Acting on intelligence tips, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a compound in the outskirts of Kandahar City to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then secured the area.
After initial questioning at the scene, the security force identified and detained the commander and four of his associates. They also found multiple weapons, pistol belts, magazines and body armor.
The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.