KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator known to plan, prepare and execute indiscriminate IED attacks along the heavily-travelled Highway One, also known as ring road, during an overnight operation in Zabul province.
Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a series of tents in remote Shah Joy district to search for the individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the tents peacefully, and then the security force cleared and secured the area, discovering IED material including a 155mm round.
After initial questioning at the scene, the security force identified and detained the facilitator along with one of his associates. The security force destroyed the IED material before leaving the scene.
The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.