Combined Force Kills Haqqani Network Leader in Paktia Province

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 2, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a Haqqani network leader and another insurgent during an operation in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan’s Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.

Sarwar Khan, also known as Manzala, planned insurgent operations, reported intelligence to senior leaders, and was involved in kidnappings. He built improvised explosive devices and coordinated IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Baghlan province’s Baghlan-e Jadid district wounded two insurgents during a search for a Taliban IED cell leader with ties to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan who directs IED operations targeting government officials and Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kunduz province. He also works directly with Taliban senior leadership to disseminate information to low-level fighters, and is vital in obtaining money and weapons for local insurgent groups.

-- In Kandahar province’s Shah Wali Kot district, a combined force killed an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader who is responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He and his subordinates are involved in IED operations, poppy cultivation and distribution, and weapons facilitation.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, killed an insurgent, arrested three others and seized weapons and ammunition in Zabul province’s Shah Joy district. The security force recovered two assault rifles, 13 assault-rifle magazines and ammunition, and destroyed a rocket-propelled grenade propellant charge, two motorcycles and bomb-making materials.

-- Also in Zabul’s Shah Joy district, Afghan special forces troops, enabled by coalition forces, captured an insurgent leader during an operation to disrupt a known IED facilitation network.
-- Acting on information received from the district police chief, Afghan special forces troops found and destroyed 27 IEDs, assault-rifle magazines and miscellaneous military equipment in Helmand province’s Nahr-e-Saraj district.

-- A combined force in Nangarhar province’s Nazyan district killed an insurgent and wounded two others during a search for a senior insurgent leader with ties to the Tehrik-e Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks that plan high-profile attacks against civilians, government officials and Afghan and coalition forces. He has control of more than 100 fighters, including potential suicide bombers. He also runs a training camp for indoctrinating prospective insurgents.