Combined Force Kills Insurgents, Detains Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 17, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained a senior Taliban leader and three other insurgents today in the Marjah district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader is accused of coordinating and conducting direct-fire assaults, ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is believed to be a supplier of IED components, heavy weapons and ammunition to Taliban fighters.

The security force also seized more than 10 pounds of opium during the operation.

Also today, a combined force in Paktia province’s Tsamkani district killed an insurgent and detained a Haqqani network leader believed to have operational control over IED operations in Paktia and Khost provinces. He also is accused of planning and directing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and of enlisting Afghan children to participate in insurgent activities. The security force also detained three other suspects and seized two assault rifles, a pistol and ammunition.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- Afghan special forces soldiers, supported by coalition forces, detained several suspected insurgents and recovered small-arms ammunition, fuses and a grenade in Badakhshan province’s Warduj district after discovering a suspected insurgent medical facility.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, killed two insurgents and seized and destroyed 110 pounds of homemade explosives and IED components during a cordon-and-search operation in Zabul province.

In other news, Afghan and coalition security forces today confirmed the death of Khaliq Mir, a Haqanni network facilitator, during an April 15 operation in Khost province’s Sabari district. Mir acquired and distributed weapons for insurgents throughout the province and belonged to a cell of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.