Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 5, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader in the Mazar-e Sharif district of Afghanistan’s Balkh province today, military officials reported.

The leader was responsible for logistical and financial support of insurgent fighters, led a recent ambush against Afghan forces and buried roadside bombs.

In operations in Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province’s Panjwai district found and destroyed about 5,500 pounds of marijuana.

-- In Kandahar province’s Zharay district, a coalition security force confiscated seven mines, eight 82 mm recoilless rifle rounds, a heavy machine gun and several bomb components.

-- A combined force in Helmand province’s Reg-e Khan Neshin district found and destroyed about 500 pounds of marijuana seeds.

-- In Helmand province’s Musa Qalah district, a coalition force found 40 electronic bomb components, 15 five-gallon containers of homemade explosives, multiple artillery rounds and detonation cord. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the weapons.