ISAF Commander Praises Afghan Security Forces

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2011 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force praised Afghanistan’s national security forces in a message released today.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen commended Afghanistan’s army, police and national security units for their performance during the recent loya jirga, or grand council, in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

“Your outstanding performance of the security mission during this important event successfully provided the many delegates an opportunity to meet and discuss the important issues facing Afghanistan,” he wrote. “We are confident that the members of the Afghan security forces, with constant vigilance, will continue to provide the government, and most importantly, the people of Afghanistan, with the safe and secure environment they so richly deserve.”

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed on insurgent and detained several others while searching for a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.

-- A combined force detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader plans suicide-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the region.

-- In the Qalat district of Zabul province, a combined force detained a suspect during a search for a Taliban leader who directs the placement of roadside bombs and plans attacks.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. The leader purchases supplies for insurgents and plans attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and detained another suspect in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province.

-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force detained two suspects during a search for a Haqqani network facilitator.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Lajah-Ahmad Khel district of Paktia province.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani network leader in the Zarghun Shahr district of Paktika province.