KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several insurgents in Kandahar province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban senior leader operating in Kandahar City and Panjwa’i districts.
The target leads small groups of fighters in their attacks against coalition forces.
Intelligence reports led the security force to a remote compound southwest of Kandahar City to search for the leader. 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 area.
After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained several insurgents. The security force also discovered improvised explosive device making material including 70 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer, often used to make explosives and copper wire at the scene.
The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.