Combined Security Force Kills Insurgents in Helmand Province

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 24, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.

The leader is believed to be responsible for purchasing and distributing improvised explosive device components to other Taliban members. He also has participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and provides intelligence to senior Taliban leaders in the province, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Helmand’s Nahr-e Saraj district killed an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader who is believed to oversee IED operations in the district. He also has participated in assassinations against Afghan national security force members and provided intelligence to senior Taliban leaders.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, detained several insurgents and seized and destroyed 132 pounds of ammonium nitrate aluminum powder in Zabul province’s Shinkay and Qalat districts. Insurgents use the powder in making IEDs.