Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader in Ghazni

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2012 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network leader in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.
The detained Haqqani leader is believed to be directly associated with suicide-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- Shafiullah, a Taliban leader accused of planning and executing a May 29, 2011, attack that killed three coalition service members was killed in an operation in Ghazni province.
-- An Afghan and coalition force in Paktia province arrested several insurgents during a search for a Taliban senior leader believed to oversee IED operations throughout the province.
-- In Helmand province, a combined force arrested several insurgents and seized 33 pounds of illegal narcotics during a search for a Taliban leader who operates in close coordination with Taliban senior leaders and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In Oct. 13 operations:
-- Taliban leader Qurashi, also known as Baz Khan and Zubair, was killed during an operation in Kunduz province. He was directly involved in planning and executing IED attacks.
-- A patrol of Afghan security forces, partnered with U.S. Special Forces soldiers, killed several insurgents when the coalition partners were ambushed in Paktia province. No civilians or security forces were killed or injured during the engagement.
-- An Afghan and coalition security force in Logar province killed Haqqani network leader Rahmatullah, also known as Qari Moktar or Mohammad Qasim Qari, who was responsible for coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
-- In Kandahar province, an Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban leader who commanded a Taliban IED cell directly responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.
-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two militants engaging in insurgent activity in Helmand province.
-- An Afghan and coalition force searching for a Taliban IED expert in Laghman province killed two insurgents and seized weapons and 13 pounds of illegal narcotics.
-- In Kunduz province, an Afghan and coalition security force searching for a Taliban leader killed several insurgents and seized weapons and grenades.

In Oct. 12 operations:
-- Afghan special operations soldiers, partnered with U.S. Special Forces, were ambushed by more than a dozen insurgents during a patrol in Paktia province. The combined force returned fire and used air support to kill the insurgents. No civilians or security forces were killed or injured during the engagement.
-- Afghan and coalition forces in Helmand province killed a Taliban leader who was believed to be responsible for directing attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces.
-- Taliban leader Qari Nasratullah was killed during an operation in Sar-e Pul province. He is believed to have commanded more than 20 Taliban fighters. The security force also seized weapons, grenades and associated gear.
-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed insurgents during operations in Ghazni province.