Combined Force Detains Insurgents, Seizes Narcotics

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2012 – A combined security force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban facilitator in the Washer district of Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator is alleged to coordinate the movement of insurgent fighters and weapons, as well as coordinating attacks across northern Helmand province, officials said.

The security force also seized multiple assault rifles and several pounds of illegal narcotics, officials said.

Also today, an Afghan-led, coalition-supported force killed a number of insurgents and detained two suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The sought-after insurgent leader is linked to multiple rocket-propelled grenade attacks on Afghan and coalition security forces. The security force also seized several assault rifles and other military equipment.

In Sept. 26 operations:

An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force recovered a cache of weapons, improvised explosive devices and IED-making components in the Qalat district of Zabul province. The force found some pressure plate IEDs, 573 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 220 pounds of potassium chloride, 55 pounds of homemade explosive, 33 pounds of aluminum powder, RPGs, ammunition, and two Afghan National Security Forces uniforms.

In Sept. 23 operations:

-- Al-Qaida facilitator Abdul Rauf was killed along with two other insurgents during an airstrike in the Marawarah district of Kunar province. Abdul Rauf was a Pakistani al-Qaida facilitator who coordinated the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan. He also constructed IEDs for use in attacks against security forces. No civilians were harmed and no civilian structures were damaged during the operation.