KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban senior leader and improvised explosive device expert Saturday who was active throughout the city of Kandahar as well as Panjwa'i and Dand Districts.
Intelligence sources indicate the targeted individual was preparing for a complex suicide attack, directly endangering the Afghan populace.
The security force targeted a compound in the village of Kesh-ano Kalacheh in Kandahar district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the targeted compound peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound.
After initial questioning of the residents at the scene, the security force identified and detained the targeted individual along with several of his associates. The security force found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and multiple loaded AK-47 magazines at the scene.
The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.