ISAF Condemns Fatal Attack on Afghan District Governor

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2010 – NATO’s International Security Assistance Force condemned today’s insurgent attack on the district governor of Dur Baba, Nangahar province.

The district governor and two others were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in struck an improvised explosive device, according to initial reports.

"This is tragic and demonstrates that the insurgents have no interest in a peaceful country," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Our thoughts and concerns are with the families of the victims during this difficult time. ISAF will work with our Afghan partners to find those responsible and bring them to justice."

In other news:

-- Afghan and coalition forces today discovered about 240 pounds of drugs in a public warehouse storage room in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province. The force found two 40-pound crates of hashish and four 40-pound burlap bags of either heroin or opium. Coalition military working dog confirmed the presence of drugs.

-- Three Afghan civilians were wounded and one was killed by insurgents today during an attack in Kunar province’s Bar Kunar district. Coalition forces returned fire, killing one insurgent.

In overnight operations:

-- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network weapons and ammunition supplier known for coordinating attacks against military forces. Based on intelligence reports, the security force targeted a series of compounds in the Sabari district to search for the man and another leader who conducts indirect fire attacks on a nearby combat outpost. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for occupants to exit the buildings peacefully, then the force cleared and secured the area. The force identified and detained the man and several of his associates. The force also discovered multiple automatic weapons, rifles and magazines along with a scope and a grenade at the scene.

In operations yesterday:

-- Two children were killed and one was injured when insurgents fired indirect and small-arms in the Jani Khel district of Paktika province. A third child received superficial wounds to the heel and chest.

-- A combined patrol killed several insurgents and detained two suspects during an operation in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. Multiple tips led the force to the site of a suspected weapons cache. As the patrol entered the area, several armed insurgents attempted to flee toward another element of the security force. They presented hostile intent and were killed. Numerous rocket-propelled grenades, small-arms and ammunition were found and destroyed on site. Two other suspected insurgents were detained when they attempted to evade the security force.

-- A combined force found 33 bags of opium, totaling 825 pounds in a compound in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province.

-- A combined patrol killed eight insurgents when the insurgents attacked the patrol with small-arms fire in the Sangin district of Helmand province. After identifying insurgent firing positions, the force returned fire. When they continued to receive fire from the insurgent positions they requested artillery rocket and close-air support. Two rockets were fired on the insurgent positions and coalition aircraft engaged a position with a precision-weapon. The force reported all weapons impacted the intended targets. Initial operational reporting states there were no civilian casualties.

In earlier operations:

-- The ISAF confirmed that a Haqqani network member known as “Mach” who was responsible for the movement of weapons and fighters in the Ziruk district of Paktika province was killed Oct. 20 during an operation there. Mach also enabled communications within the network and commanded a group of lower-level fighters. Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound to search for the suspect. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for occupants to exit the buildings peacefully, then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After initial questioning, the force detained several suspects. During the operation, several armed insurgents fired at the security force. Afghan and coalition forces returned fire, killing several insurgents, including Mach.

-- The ISAF confirmed a Taliban leader, as well as an attack planner, were killed in an Oct. 8 operation in the Kajaki district of Helmand province. The leader, Nauroz, was known for exerting control through intimidation and violence; he also planned and executed numerous attacks against Afghan security forces. Also killed was Nauroz's associate, Adil, who was known to lead IED and suicide attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Numerous insurgents were killed and various forms of explosives were destroyed in place during the operation. The targeted compound where the insurgents were killed is associated with a senior Taliban leader linked to suicide and IED attacks.