KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Paktiya province, Thursday, while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander operating in Mata Khan District.
The commander coordinates and conducts improvised explosive device attacks and facilitates weapons and ammunition for future attacks.
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in the village of Shakian in Zurmat District to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compounds.
After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained the suspected insurgents.
The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.