Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Helmand Province

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases WASHINGTON, March 11, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, military officials reported. The leader is accused of coordinating ambushes against Afghan and coalition forces and is believed to have a history of directing attacks using improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons. The security force also seized a stockpile of IED components. In other Afghanistan operations today: -- A combined force in Kandahar province’s Arghandab district arrested a Taliban leader believed to be an IED specialist with a cell of fighters under his command. He also has a significant history of procuring IED components, building IEDs and distributing them to his subordinates for use against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another insurgent and seized 20 pounds of heroin. -- In Logar province’s Baraki Barak district, a combined force detained an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader alleged to be responsible for directing insurgent activity. He also is influential in the Taliban network there, ordering IED operations and other attacks. In operations yesterday: -- A combined force in Paktia province’s Gardez district arrested a Haqqani network facilitator accused of procuring and distributing lethal aid to extremist fighters. He also is believed to have planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested another insurgent and seized ammunition, an assault rifle and a grenade. -- In Kandahar province’s Panjwai district, a combined force arrested nine insurgents during a search for a Taliban commander accused of building IEDs and coordinating their use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is believed to have operational control over a cell of Taliban fighters and maintained a sophisticated operations center used to plan insurgent activity. -- A combined force killed three insurgents in Helmand province’s Nahr-e Saraj district after observing them conducting insurgent activity.