Combined Force Detains Haqqani Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani leader in the Tsamkani district of Afghanistan’s Paktiya province today, military officials reported.

The detained insurgent leader was responsible for conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the district, including suicide bomber attacks against coalition bases, officials said.

The security force also detained two suspects.

In other operations today:

-- A combined force detained a Taliban weapons dealer and two suspected insurgents in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province. The insurgent leader facilitated the shipment and delivery of explosives, rifles, and ammunition to fighters operating throughout Kandahar.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The Haqqani leader is responsible for planning and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the district, including an attack against a coalition convoy in May.

On June 19, Afghan soldiers and coalition forces killed 19 insurgents during a firefight in Kunar province’s Watahpur district.

And on June 18, combined forces operating in the Yaftal-e Sufla district of Badakhshan province detained an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader who was responsible for the May 22 kidnapping of four aid workers in the province.