Combined Force Seizes Suspects, Explosives, Weapons

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2012 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained seven suspected insurgents and seized weapons caches while searching for a Taliban leader in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province today, military officials reported.

The targeted leader plans attacks against civilians and Afghan forces throughout the province. The caches contained more than 100 pounds of explosives, pressure plates and bomb-making materials, 119 grenades, 21 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, multiple firearms, about 1,200 rounds of ammunition and a suicide vest.

One insurgent died after falling into a well while evading the security force. The weapons caches were destroyed.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province. The leader emplaces roadside bombs and conducts attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and two other suspects in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The facilitator distributed bomb-making materials and ammunition.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator, detained three other suspects and seized multiple weapons in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. The facilitator distributed weapons and supplies to insurgents.

-- In the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province, an Afghan-led and coalition-supported force captured a Haqqani network facilitator and detained two other suspects. The facilitator acquired explosives and weapons for insurgent attacks in Faryab province.

In the Panjwai district of Kandahar province yesterday, a combined force found and destroyed about 660 pounds of marijuana.