Combined Security Force Detains Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader and killed several armed insurgents in the Zharay district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.

The leader was responsible for roadside bomb and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Zharay and Panjwa’i districts.

While conducting the search, the security force encountered several armed insurgents. The insurgents opened fire on the combined force which then engaged the insurgent group, killing several. The security force continued searching for the Taliban leader and detained him after the engagement.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- An Afghan-led force detained a Taliban facilitator in the Archi district of Kunduz province. The security force was calling out the facilitator when they noticed several armed individuals taking offensive positions. Assessing an immediate threat, the force engaged one of the armed individuals, wounding him. While securing the wounded individual, the security force noted he was wearing an Afghan national police uniform. The security force provided immediate medical care and called for a medical evacuation. Unfortunately, the ANP officer died during medical evacuation. “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident,” said an ISAF security force commander. “The death of any Afghan is something ISAF takes very seriously. Our deepest apologies go to his family, the ANP and the Afghan government.” The targeted facilitator, responsible for the movement and sale of heavy weapons and ammunition, was detained by the security force.

-- In the Zharay district of Kandahar province, an Afghan-led force detained numerous suspects during a clearance operation. The security force also discovered an explosives facility and identified it as an immediate threat to local civilians. After ensuring no civilians were in the area, the force called in an airstrike to destroy the facility. Additional roadside bomb materials were also discovered and destroyed during the operation.

-- In the Qalat district of Zabul province, an Afghan-led force detained numerous suspects while searching for a Taliban facilitator. The facilitator arranges roadside bomb emplacements along Highway 1 in the Qalat district.

-- An Afghan-led force detained two suspects in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The target of the operation was a Taliban leader who directs an insurgent cell and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- An Afghan-led force detained several suspects while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The leader is responsible for roadside bomb emplacements targeting Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Also in the Sabari district, an Afghan-led force detained two suspects while searching for a Haqqani leader responsible for attacks against the Afghan army.

-- In the Zurmat district of Paktiya province, an Afghan-led force detained two suspects. The force was searching for a Taliban leader who provides guidance and reports to insurgents in the Mata Khan district.

-- In the Ghazni district of Ghazni province, an Afghan-led force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban facilitator. The facilitator is responsible for procuring and disseminating weapons and supplies to insurgents. The security force also confiscated vehicle-born improvised explosive device materials, grenades, an AK-47 rifle with several magazines and a chest rack.

-- A coalition patrol discovered a weapons cache in the Kandahar district of Kandahar province. The cache contained 103 mortar rounds that were destroyed.

In July 17 Afghanistan operations:

-- An Afghan-led combined security force detained numerous suspects and confiscated several weapons while searching for a Haqqani leader in the Terayzai district of Khost province. Weapons seized included grenades, an AK-47 rifle with several magazines, a rifle and a chest rack. The Haqqani leader is responsible for coordinating attacks against the Afghan army.

-- In the Bangi district of Takhar province, an Afghan-led force detained one suspect while searching for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader. The leader directs insurgents and acts as a liaison to the Taliban network, insurgent leaders in Pakistan, and IMU contacts in Afghanistan and Iran.

-- An Afghan-led security force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Chimtal district of Balkh province. The targeted leader is responsible for obtaining supplies and collecting taxes to fund Taliban operations in western Balkh province.

-- In the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province, an Afghan-led force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader. The leader is responsible for roadside bomb attacks and the movement of bomb materials in eastern Panjwa’i. Also in Panjwa’i, a combined Afghan and coalition force detained one suspect while conducting a clearance operation.

-- In the Shah Joy district of Zabul province, an Afghan-led force captured a Taliban leader and two suspects. The leader coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province, an Afghan-led force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader. The Taliban leader directs attacks in the district, and also arranges shelter, food, equipment, and guidance to Taliban fighters.

-- An Afghan-led security force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban facilitator in the Zurmat district of Paktiya province. The Taliban member provides guidance to insurgents in the Mata Khan district of Paktika province.

-- In Sabari the district of Khost province, an Afghan-led security force detained a Haqqani leader and two associates. The Haqqani leader coordinated roadside bomb and other attacks against the Afghan army.

-- International Security Assistance Force officials confirmed the death of Khan Wali, a Taliban leader who operated in the Kuz Kunar district of Nangarhar province. Wali was the target of a July 17 operation that killed more than 10 insurgents. He was responsible for leading fighters in attacks against Afghan officials and security forces.