KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Wednesday while in pursuit of a senior Taliban leader operating in Now Zad district.
The targeted individual has 60 fighters under his command and conducts improvised explosive device attacks. He also allocates and distributes weapons, ammunition and IED material throughout the district.
Based on intelligence reports, the security force targeted a compound in Now Zad district to search for the targeted individual. 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 three suspected insurgents.
The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.