Combined Force Searching for Taliban Leader Detains Insurgents

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today detained four insurgents while searching of a senior Taliban leader, military officials reported. The sought-after Taliban leader allegedly coordinates complex attacks and facilitates distribution of insurgent rockets, mortars, rifles and improvised explosive devices, officials said. Also today, a combined force in Wardak province’s Sayyidabad district arrested a Taliban leader believed to organize, facilitate and conduct IED attacks. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized a firearm. In Afghanistan operations yesterday: -- In Kunar province’s Ghaziabad district, a precision airstrike killed two armed insurgents. -- Taliban leaders Afshin and Ismail were killed in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district. Afshin was directly involved in a Dec. 24 attack that killed an American service member and a Dec. 28 attack that killed an Afghan soldier. Ismail was the district’s deputy Taliban leader for the winter. He issued guidance on attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and financed the acquisition of IED-making materials, rockets and ammunition for heavy weapons. The security force also seized hand grenades and an assault-rifle with associated gear and ammunition. -- A combined force arrested two Taliban leaders in Kunduz province’s Kunduz district. One is accused of gathering materials and facilitating logistics for IED attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces. The second is believed to be an IED cell member and weapons facilitator operating in the Baghlan-e Jadid district. -- In Paktia province’s Zurmat district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader accused IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also believed to have overseen nearly 45 insurgent fighters. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized an assault rifle with associated gear and ammunition. In Feb. 9 operations: -- A precision strike in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district killed Taliban leader Abdul Baki, also known as Ruzi. He was known to operate as part of an extensive insurgent network in Uruzgan, Helmand and Kandahar provinces. He was responsible for coordinating complex attacks against Afghan and coalition forces using suicide bombers. -- A combined force in Khost province’s Sabari district detained a Haqqani network leader believed to be responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also accused of weapons and ammunition facilitation and coordinating the transfer of IEDs and weapon systems. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized IED-making materials, homemade explosives, ammunition, hand grenades, and mortar rocket charges. -- In Nimroz province’s Khash Rod district, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator believed to have coordinated the movement of lethal aid, weapons and ammunition to insurgent networks throughout Helmand province’s Nad-e Ali district. He is accused of being directly responsible for preparing, organizing and transporting a large shipment of illegal material and directing fighters in ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent. -- A combined force in Baghlan province’s Burkah district arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader believed to oversee intelligence operations and IED emplacement. He is also accused of providing safe haven for Taliban insurgents traveling through Burkah district. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent. In a Feb. 8 operation, a combined force in Kandahar province’s Panjwai district arrested a Taliban leader who operated out of central Kandahar City. He is believed responsible for organizing IED operations targeting Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained two other suspected insurgents.