Combined Force Detains Multiple Suspects, Seizes Explosives

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader is a specialist in the use of improvised explosive devices and directs IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout northern Helmand province, officials said.

The security force also seized more than 40 pounds of explosives and other IED-making materials, officials said.

In July 24 operations:

-- In the Waygal district of Nuristan province, a combined force killed Khanjar -- also known as Turab -- an insurgent associated with al-Qaida. Khanjar also had ties with the Taliban insurgency. He provided safe haven to al-Qaida members operating throughout Nuristan province and coordinated Taliban activities in the region. He also oversaw the training of Taliban insurgents in the province.

-- A combined force found and cleared two IEDs in Ghazni province -- one in the Dehyak district and another in the Qarah Bagh district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Kapisa province's Tagab district.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents in Khost province's Khost district.

-- In Kunar province's Bar Kunar district, a coalition airstrike killed an insurgent.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Nangarhar province's Achin district.

-- In Paktika province's Yosuf Khel district, a combined force found and cleared an IED.
-- A combined force detained seven suspects in Paktia province's Zurmat district.