Combined Force Arrests Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 3, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Burkah district of Afghanistan’s Baghlan province today, military officials reported.

The leader has allegedly led a cell of insurgent fighters in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He also is accused of training insurgent fighters and serves a vital role in intelligence and improvised explosive device operations, they added.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province’s Dand district detained two insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator believed to have arranged the transportation of weapons and IEDs throughout Kandahar for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also allegedly has ordered subordinates to commit executions and kidnappings against Afghan civilians working with government officials. The security force also seized a machine gun and a grenade.

-- In Helmand province’s Nad-e Ali district, a combined force detained several insurgents while searching for a senior Taliban leader who allegedly commands numerous cells of Taliban fighters. He and his subordinates are believed to have participated in numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and he also is believed to have plotted the assassination of Afghan government officials. The security force seized an assault rifle and two ammunition magazines.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader and several other insurgents in Logar province’s Pul-e Alam district. The leader is believed to be responsible for the movement and coordination of insurgent fighters throughout the province and for procuring and distributing weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.