Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader in Nangarhar Province

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed Taliban leader Haqiq in the Sherzad district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.

After positively identifying a threat from armed insurgents, the combined force engaged, killing Haqiq and two additional insurgents.

Haqiq, also known as Sur Gul Lala, conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and extorted money from district villagers to fund Taliban activities. The security force also detained three suspected insurgents and seized a cache of weapons, gear and ammunition. No civilians were harmed during the operation, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force in Baghlan province’s Baghlan-e Jadid district arrested a Taliban senior leader and another insurgent. The senior leader commanded insurgents operating in Jowzjan and Sar-e Pul provinces and was responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and Afghan civilians.

-- A combined force detained three insurgents in Kandahar province’s Daman district during a search for a Taliban leader who oversees the acquisition and transfer of weapons and ammunition to insurgents. The security force also seized a large cache of ammunition.

In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force in Helmand province’s Nad-e Ali district arrested a Taliban leader who transported and planted roadside bombs and armed insurgent fighters in the district. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents.

-- In Baghlan province’s Baghlan-e Jadid district, a combined force detained two suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader who controls fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained two suspected insurgents in Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district during a search for a Taliban leader who provides weapons to Taliban fighters. The security force seized bomb-making materials, weapons and ammunition.