KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-led combined security force captured an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator along with several of his associates during a night-time security operation in Mazar-e Sharif District, Balkh province, Monday.
The facilitator assisted with the May 28 attack against the Takhar provincial governor’s palace that killed and wounded Afghan government officials and Afghan civilians, including the Afghan National Police commander Gen Daud Daud, and the provincial chief of police. Recent reporting indicated he had been in direct contact with Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leadership in Pakistan, providing them with specific reports on the damage effects of the May 28 blast.
The combined Afghan and coalition force was able to locate the facilitator at his associated compound in Mazar-e Sharif. Afghan members of the force assaulted the compound where they found the facilitator along with several associates. He identified himself to the security force and was immediately taken into custody.
Through initial questioning, the security force was able to identify several other individuals with suspected involvement with the facilitator. All men were detained and taken by the force for further processing. No shots were fired.