Coalition, Afghan Forces Arrest Weapons Distributor

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 12, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Khanabad district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province today, military officials reported.

The leader allegedly facilitates distribution of weapons and assists in improvised explosive device operations in the district, officials said, adding that he oversees the acquisition, transfer and delivery of IED materials and explosives to insurgents.

Another suspected insurgent also was detained, and the security force seized firearms and ammunition in the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Ghazni province’s Andar district arrested a Taliban leader who allegedly has directly led attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and also has logistical and command responsibilities. He was engaged in the arms trade involving weapons, rocket-propelled grenades and IEDs. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized a heavy machine gun with ammunition and some assault rifle ammunition.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district, a combined force detained three insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader believed to be responsible for planning and conducting attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized several assault rifles with associated equipment and ammunition.
In operations yesterday:

-- A precision strike in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district killed a Taliban leader and facilitator who organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Also in Kandahar’s Maiwand district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader believed to be directly responsible for the coordination of complex attacks. His subordinate fighters were linked to several attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the district, officials said. The security force also detained three suspected insurgents.