Forces Detain Insurgents in Badghis Province

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2011 – Combined forces apprehended several suspected insurgents yesterday in the Murghab district of Afghanistan’s Badghis province, military officials reported.

Troops were searching for a Taliban weapons trafficker responsible for providing arms and explosives to enemy fighters when they noticed the suspects trying to flee, officials said.

In other operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan:

-- Security forces detained two suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader and weapons trafficker connected to several recent attacks in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district. Troops also found more than 240 pounds of marijuana.

-- Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban financier who also works with Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin terrorists in Baghlan province’s Baghlan-e Jadid district.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district, troops detained a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin terrorist and one of his associates who are connected to several recent attacks in the area.

-- Forces found several weapons stockpiles. The operations resulted in seizure of seven rocket-propelled grenades, five mortar rounds, multiple explosive devices, hand grenades, assault rifles and assorted bomb-making materials.