Combined Force Arrests Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Kunduz district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province today, military officials reported.

The leader is believed to have coordinated multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and has had a vital role in acquiring weapons for extremist fighters, officials said.

Also today, a combined force in Kandahar province’s Panjwai district detained several insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader suspected of being the deputy commander of a cell of insurgent fighters involved in kidnappings, roadside bomb operations and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- An Afghan and coalition security force killed an insurgent in Helmand province’s Nad-e Ali district after seeing him engaged in insurgent activity.

-- In Kandahar’s Panjwai district, a combined force killed Taliban facilitator Abdul Satar and another insurgent. Satar was directly involved in obtaining bomb-making materials, weapons and supplies for enemy fighters and recruiting operatives. He also participated in attacks targeting Afghan local police.

-- Also in Kandahar’s Panjwai district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader accused of being in charge of a large cell of insurgent fighters known for attacking Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained several other insurgents.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district, a combined force killed an armed insurgent after seeing him engaging in insurgent activity.

-- A combined force in Kandahar’s Panjwai district arrested five insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader believed to be in charge of a large cell of insurgent fighters known for attacking Afghan and coalition forces.

In March 16 operations:

-- A combined force in Khost province’s Musa Khel district arrested a Haqqani network leader who is accused of having operational control over several extremist cells and to have personally led attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also had a crucial role in obtaining weapons for militants.

-- In Helmand’s Nad-e Ali district, a combined force killed a Taliban leader who directed and executed attacks and kidnappings targeting Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained a several insurgents in Logar province’s Pul-e Alam district during a search for a Taliban facilitator believed to be responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and procuring and distributing weapons and ammunition to insurgents.

In a March 15 operation, a combined force in Jowzjan province detained an insurgent during a search for a pair of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan high-profile attack coordinators who work together to orchestrate attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In March 14 operations:

-- A combined force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan suicide attack coordinator during in Kunduz’s Imam Sahib district. At the time of his arrest, he was actively planning an operation against Afghan forces, officials said.

-- A combined force in Nimroz province’s Delaram district arrested a Taliban logistics leader who is believed to be in charge of the entire supply chain for an insurgent network operating in the central Helmand River valley area supervising the acquisition, transportation and distribution of weapons, IEDs and IED materials to several Taliban leaders. The security force also detained another insurgent.

-- In Logar’s Pul-e Alam district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who is believed to be heavily involved in insurgent operations throughout the district. He is accused of having engaged in a campaign of intimidation against Afghan authorities in the region and of obtaining weapons for extremists. The security force also detained another insurgent.

-- A combined force in Logar’s Baraki Barak district arrested a Haqqani network IED expert suspected of having authority over a cell of fighters responsible for mortar and rocket attacks against Afghan and coalition fighters. The security force also detained two other insurgents.

-- In Logar’s Pul-e Alam district, a combined force arrested a Haqqani facilitator accused of acquiring weapons, IEDs and other supplies for insurgent networks. He also is believed to have coordinated and participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested several other insurgents.