Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 31, 2012 – An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The leader conducted attacks against Afghan forces and directed kidnapping operations throughout Badghis province, officials said.

One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader, detained two suspected insurgents and seized bomb-making materials in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province. The leader conducted attacks in Kandahar City.

-- In the Khost district of Khost province, an Afghan-led and coalition-supported force detained several suspects and seized weapons and chest racks while searching for a Haqqani network facilitator who conducts roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan forces and moves explosives from Pakistan.