Combined Force Captures Insurgent Facilitator

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 6, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force captured an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator during an operation in the Kishim district of Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province today, military officials reported.

Officials said the facilitator coordinated the construction of suicide-bomb vests and directed suicide attacks against Afghan officials and security forces in Kunduz, Badakhshan and Takhar provinces.

Several other insurgents were detained and multiple weapons were confiscated.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- An International Security Assistance Force rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle crashed in northern Afghanistan. The cause of the crash is currently being assessed, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area. The site has been secured and no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.

-- A combined force detained two suspects and destroyed multiple grenades during an operation to capture a Taliban leader in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The leader coordinates roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in the Zharay and Panjwai districts and provides weapons and ammunition to insurgents.

-- In the Washer district of Helmand province, a combined force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban leader who directs roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained two additional insurgents in the Zurmat district of Paktia province. The facilitator provided weapons and ammunition to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In April 3 operations:

-- In the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, an Afghan security force, supported by coalition forces, seized a vehicle containing 1,870 pounds of opium and 64 pounds of heroin. The Afghan force also seized weapons and detained several suspects. The narcotics were destroyed.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force killed numerous insurgents, seized weapons, and confiscated 550 pounds of opium and more than 240 pounds of poppy seeds in the Kajaki district of Helmand province. The narcotics and other illegal materials were destroyed.

In April 2 operations:

-- In the Washer district of Helmand province, an Afghan force detained a suspect and seized and destroyed more than 1,100 pounds of opium.