Six-day Combined Operation Concludes in Afghanistan

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 4, 2012 - Dozens of Afghan soldiers and police, supported by coalition special operations forces, concluded a six-day operation against insurgent networks in the Chak district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.

More than 30 insurgents were killed by Afghan commandos, police and soldiers and the coalition forces who participated in the operation.

Five of the insurgents who were killed were high-level Taliban commanders who operated in the area:
-- Ahmad Shah, a Taliban leader who was directly involved in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Chak-e Wardak district;

-- Mullah Malang, a Taliban leader and improvised explosive device expert who controlled an insurgent cell that conducted attacks against Afghan security forces outposts and patrols;

-- Zubair, a Taliban leader who provided logistical support to the insurgency and carrying out attacks against coalition forces;

-- Rasul Jan, a Taliban cell leader who led 30 to 40 insurgents and specialized in IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces; and

-- Wahdat, a Taliban leader who led a cell of insurgents and was known to have coordinated attacks in the province.

An Afghan soldier was killed during the operation, and a civilian was injured by insurgent small-arms fire. Members of the combined force provided immediate assistance and transported the victim to a medical facility for further treatment. Almost three dozen suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.
In operations around Afghanistan today:

-- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during a search in Helmand province's Washer district for a Taliban senior leader suspected of coordinating the movement of Taliban fighters and weapons in northern Helmand. The security force also seized two pounds of illegal narcotics and an assault-style weapon.

-- In Helmand's Nad-e Ali district, a combined force detained a suspected insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader believed to report directly to senior Taliban leaders in the province and to aid in the coordination of Taliban efforts against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Haqqani network facilitator in Tsamkani, Paktia province. The Haqqani facilitator was arrested for allegedly financing and procuring weapons to support the Haqqani insurgent network, for managing and recruiting suicide attackers, and for participating in attack planning against Afghan and coalition forces. The facilitator was also believed to have coordinated shipments of heavy machine guns, anti-aircraft ammunition and explosives to support the insurgency. The security force apprehended another suspected insurgent and seized firearms and remote-controlled bomb materials.

-- During a search for a Haqqani network leader in Logar province's Pul-e Alam district, a combined force detained a suspected insurgent. The sought-after Haqqani leader is suspected of facilitating the purchase and movement of weapons and supplies for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- An Afghan and coalition security force in Ghazni province's Gelan district arrested a Taliban facilitator and improvised explosive device manufacturer suspected of procuring and distributing explosives, mortars, and IED-building materials. He also is believed to have conducted IED attacks against Afghan and coalition assets. The security force also detained two other suspected insurgents.