Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Haqqani Network Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network leader in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Afghanistan’s Khost province today, military officials reported.

The leader has operational control over a group of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and he has engaged in assassinations against Afghans who work with the local government. He also is in charge of acquiring and planting improvised explosive devices throughout the region.
The security force seized an assault rifle and a pistol in the operation.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- Afghan special forces soldiers and local police detained three insurgents and destroyed an IED in Kunduz province’s Imam Sahib district. After safely disposing of the IED, the Afghan force noticed four suspicious men nearby. One of them fled, but police detained the rest. All three tested positive for homemade explosive residue.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, killed four insurgents during a search for a Taliban facilitator in Zabul province’s Daychopan district. The security forces seized and destroyed an assault rifle, a pistol and several IED components.

-- A combined force in Nangarhar province’s Bati Kot district arrested several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader who controls a group of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and for acquiring and distributing insurgent weapons. The security force also seized IED-making materials.

-- In Wardak province’s Sayyidabad district, a combined force arrested an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader who controls a group of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also has served as a Taliban intelligence operative, monitoring coalition force movements and reporting on their activities to Taliban leaders, and has facilitated the movement of insurgent weapons.

-- A combined force in Paktia province’s Gardez district arrested two insurgents during a search for a high-profile attack facilitator for the Taj Mir Jawad insurgent network. The facilitator is responsible for providing weapons and funding for insurgents. The security force also seized a rifle and ammunition.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Farah, enabled by coalition forces, arrested four men and seized almost 90 pounds of opium at a vehicle checkpoint in Farah province’s Anar Darah district. The security force also seized an assault rifle, four magazines with 100 rounds of ammunition and a combat vest.

-- A combined force in Kandahar province’s Kandahar City, arrested a Taliban leader believed to be responsible for coordinating assassinations, sniper ambushes and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is known to direct the killing of Afghan soldiers, and he recruits fighters for the insurgency and uses his residence as a safe house for fighters operating in the region. The security force also arrested a Taliban facilitator who is alleged to be responsible for housing and directing suicide bombers throughout the province. He also has a history of acquiring and distributing weapons to insurgent fighters and planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Baghlan province’s Burkah district, a combined force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator who is believed to be instrumental in procuring and distributing weapons and military equipment to IMU fighters in northern Afghanistan. He also is involved in assassination operations and attack planning, and has served as a bodyguard for senior IMU leadership.

-- A combined force in Helmand province’s Nahr-e Saraj district arrested a Taliban leader who is believed to be in charge of a cell of fighters responsible for planning and executing attacks against government officials. He also has facilitated the production and distribution of homemade explosives and has worked with IEDs. The security force also seized 10 pounds of opium and arrested two other insurgents.

In April 27 operations:

-- In Kunduz province’s Archi district, a combined force killed an insurgent after being ambushed while patrolling near a local police checkpoint that recently had been attacked. The security force recovered a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and an assault rifle with a mounted 40 mm grenade launcher.

-- A combined force in Helmand province’s Nad-e Ali district arrested a Taliban leader who is believed to have operational control over insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also has facilitated the acquisition and distribution of weapons and money for insurgent operations. The security force also arrested another insurgent.

In an April 26 operation in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who is alleged to have operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also has served as a tactical advisor to senior Taliban leadership in the area and has coordinated insurgent logistics operations among different cells of fighters.