KABUL, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Tanhah, a Haqqani Network leader, was among the armed insurgents killed during an overnight operation in Paktika province Tuesday.
Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a series of compounds near the village of Srah Meydan Kalay in Ziruk District to search for a Haqqani facilitator. 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 several suspected insurgents.
During the operation, coalition forces identified groups of armed insurgents as they maneuvered from an enemy camp toward the security force. Coalition forces killed more than 10 insurgents, including Tanhah, who were carrying various weapons including a pistol, multiple automatic weapons, fragmentation grenades and rocket-propelled grenades.
The security force is still gathering information to confirm reports that other Haqqani senior leaders were also killed during the operation.
The assault force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.