Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 – Afghan and coalition military forces killed numerous insurgents and detained several others in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.

In operations yesterday:

-- Coalition forces killed two armed insurgents and wounded two others with a precision airstrike in Farah province’s Pusht-e Rod district. An innocent bystander also was killed by the blast. Security forces saw numerous insurgents setting up a fighting position with machine guns. Intelligence reports noted that a Taliban leader was among the group. Troops requested the airstrike, destroying the weapons and fighting position.

-- In Helmand province’s Musa Qalah district, security forces killed an insurgent during a patrol. Insurgents attacked the patrol, but were thwarted soon after when troops requested air support.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained several enemy fighters in Kandahar province’s Panjawai district. Security forces were patrolling the area when they came under attack. Troops returned fire before detaining the insurgents.

-- Security forces detained a Taliban leader and three suspected insurgents in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district. The Taliban leader is responsible for facilitating Taliban intelligence operations and drug trafficking.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Jalalabad City, Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader. The Taliban leader is responsible for planning attacks on local government officials and security forces.

-- Security forces found several stockpiles of bomb-making materials and chemicals in southern Afghanistan. The operations resulted in pressure plates, remote-controlled devices, batteries, detonation wire, ammonium nitrate and other materials.

-- International Security Assistance Force officials confirmed the identity of a Taliban district shadow governor who was detained Jan. 24 in Takhar province. He is responsible for acts of terror throughout the province and for leading insurgents.

-- ISAF officials confirmed the identity of a Haqqani terrorist network leader who was captured Jan. 19 in Khost province. He is responsible for trafficking bomb-making materials and other weapons to enemy fighters throughout the province.

In other news from Afghanistan, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle killed Kandahar’s deputy provincial governor and wounded four innocent bystanders in Kandahar City on Jan. 29.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, ISAF commander, released a statement offering condolences to the family of the slain provincial leader and praising Deputy Gov. Abdul Latif Ashana’s life and work:

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Engineer Abdul Latif Ashana, deputy governor of Kandahar, and a man who was working selflessly for the people of Kandahar province,” Petraeus wrote. “Deputy Governor Ashana faced danger throughout his public service career from the insurgency, but he never let that interfere with his service to the Kandaharis. In 2009, he survived a deadly suicide attack by the Taliban that killed a number of high-ranking government officials and members of the Kandahar Provincial Council. Despite this attack and constant threats to his life, the deputy governor continued to serve the people.

“I strongly condemn the barbaric attack of the Taliban and pledge to work with our Afghan partners to bring those responsible to justice,” the general continued. “Indeed, the death of Engineer Abdul Latif Ashana and his courageous service in the face of danger will inspire us to redouble our efforts to help our Afghan partners seeking peace and a better future for all Afghans.”

In operations Jan. 29:

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents in Kunar province. Two insurgents were killed in Tsowkey district after security forces saw several armed insurgents setting up a fighting position. Two more were killed in Marawarah district after attacking an ISAF patrol. Ground troops returned fire and later requested air support before killing the two fighters. Another insurgent was killed after he and several armed men attacked a coalition foot patrol in the province’s Nari district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader and two other suspected insurgents in Nimroz province’s Khash Rod district. The Taliban leader is responsible for directing bombing attacks on local security forces.

In operations Jan. 28:

-- In Helmand province, security forces killed several armed insurgents with a precision airstrike. Troops spotted the insurgents maneuvering to a fighting position in the province’s Musa Qalah district before engaging the group.

-- Security forces killed an insurgent with small-arms fire in Helmand province’s Sangin district after they saw him planting a roadside bomb.

-- Security forces found several weapons stockpiles throughout southern Afghanistan. The operations resulted in more than 350 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 68 rocket-propelled grenades, 57 RPG boosters, 37 assorted rockets, 10 mines and bomb-making materials.

-- ISAF officials confirmed the identity of a Haqqani network leader who was captured Jan. 27 in Khost province. He is responsible for trafficking weapons and supplies to enemy fighters in Kabul city for use against local security forces.