KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces conducted an operation to detain a senior Taliban leader in Now Zad District, Helmand province, yesterday.
The senior Taliban leader commands and controls a large group of insurgents in and around Musa Qal‘ah District. He is known to have planned, coordinated and executed direct and indirect fire attacks, as well as improvised explosive device attacks against ANSF and ISAF.
Multiple intelligence sources led the joint security force to the suspected location of the leader. Prior to arriving at the location, the force noticed several armed insurgents in a sentry over watch position. As the security force arrived at the compound, three armed insurgents threatened the force and the force engaged the insurgents, killing them.
Upon surrounding the compound, Afghan National Security Forces called out all occupants in order to allow them to exit peacefully. A total of three men, 10 women and 31 children exited peacefully and were protected.
As the force entered and began to search the compound, insurgents opened fire on the security force from several locations. The security force returned fire, killing several armed insurgents. The force then secured and searched the compound. During the search, the force found numerous automatic weapons and associated ammunition and 22 pounds (10 kilograms) of opium.
After initial questioning, Afghan authorities detained the three men and took them in for further questioning.
Afghan National Security Forces are currently assessing whether the Taliban leader was one of the killed insurgents or detained individuals.
The weapons and opium were safely destroyed on site prior to the departure of the security force.