Combined Force Arrests Taliban IED Attack Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Arghandab district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported. The leader was responsible for planning and executing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and was planning an IED attack against Afghan civilians when he was arrested, officials said. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent and seized ammunition in the operation. Also today, a combined force in Baghlan province’s Burkah district arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader who conducted assassinations directed by insurgent leadership and coordinated the acquisition and delivery of weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized an assault rifle with associated gear and ammunition. In Kandahar province’s Spin Boldak district yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader responsible for building, planting and distributing IEDs. He also conducted surveillance of Afghan and coalition forces in preparation for IED attacks and organized the transfer and delivery of IEDs to other insurgents.