Combined Force Detains Suspected Militants

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 30, 2009 - Afghan and international security forces detained several suspected militants in Afghanistan's Paktia and Helmland provinces today and yesterday, military officials reported. A combined force detained a group of suspected militants in Paktia province today after searching buildings known to be used by a Haqqani network leader responsible for the financing and supply of terrorist camps in the Khowst-Gardez Pass area.

The security force targeted the buildings near Kandaw Kalay village after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force detained the suspects after searching the compound without incident. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

The Haqqani terrorist network has developed an extensive system of supply routes in eastern Afghanistan used to arm, man and equip its militant elements and training camps within the country, officials said. Afghan and international security forces are partnering to block the routes and ensure the safety and well-being of the Afghan people.

Elsewhere, a combined force detained suspected militants yesterday in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province during a search of a compound known to be used by a senior Taliban commander with numerous connections to other Taliban commanders and Taliban shadow government leaders in the region.

The security force searched the compound near Barang village after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained the suspected militants. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.

(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)