KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Kandahar province Thursday while in pursuit of the Taliban deputy district commander for Dand.
The commander allocates and distributes ammunition and weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns, to fighters in his area. He is also reportedly involved in the acquisition of suicide vests and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound west of the village of Sayrah Kalacheh in Panjwa'i 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 compound.
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.