Combined Patrol Detains 2 Suspects, Seizes Weapons

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition patrol yesterday detained two suspected insurgents and seized a weapons cache in the Khost district of Afghanistan’s Khost province, military officials reported.

The two suspects were discovered along with the cache, which contained eight grenades, two bayonets and 1,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- An International Security Assistance Force helicopter made a precautionary landing in eastern Afghanistan. Initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area. There were no reported injuries to crew members.

-- A combined patrol discovered a drug cache containing of 2,000 pounds of hashish in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province.

-- In the Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan province, a combined force found a weapons cache containing two rocket-propelled grenade launchers and six RPG warheads with motors.

-- An Afghan citizen turned in 31 mines, 13 grenades, 12 grenade fuses, and three mine fuses to coalition forces operating in the Kahmard district of Bamyan province.

-- ISAF announced that a commander’s inquiry and a joint incident assessment team will investigate a Nov. 23 incident in southern Kandahar province that concerns several civilians being killed and injured. The incident occurred, officials said, when coalition forces responded to insurgents’ actions. “Protecting the Afghan civilian population is central to our mission here in Afghanistan and we will investigate this situation fully to determine exactly what took place and whether any further actions need to be taken,” said ISAF commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen. “As was President [Hamid] Karzai, I too was saddened by this event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families who have been affected by this incident.” The joint assessment is being conducted with the assistance of Afghan authorities to determine the facts, officials said, noting the commander’s inquiry is taking place concurrently.

In Nov. 23 Afghanistan operations:

-- A Haqqani network facilitator was captured by a combined force in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province. The facilitator distributed roadside bombs and materials, and moved weapons and fighters throughout the district.

-- A combined force discovered 890 pounds of marijuana and nearly $50,000 in varied currencies in a cache in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province.

-- A combined force seized multiple firearms and detained several suspects while searching for a Haqqani network facilitator in the Khost district of Khost province. The facilitator coordinated the movement of insurgent fighters and weapons from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

NATO: Afghan Security Transition Represents Milestone

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2011 – Afghan forces’ assumption of the security lead in seven provinces and districts last week represents “a significant step toward our shared goal of seeing Afghans in the lead across the country by the end of 2014,” a NATO spokeswoman said today.

The transfers put almost one-quarter of the Afghan population under the protection of their own national security forces, Carmen Romero told reporters today.

“NATO and partner forces continue to support them, but in those areas, the Afghans are in the lead,” she said. “This is what transition is all about. This is part of our agreed strategy.”

Romero offered congratulations on progress the Afghans have made to date and reiterated continued NATO support as the transition continues. “We will continue to stand by them as they take responsibility for more and more of their country,” she said.

Transitions have taken place in all seven areas Afghan President Hamid Karzai identified in March to transfer to an Afghan security lead, Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman, explained.

Six transition ceremonies have been held: in Bamiyan province on July 17; in eastern Laghman province’s Mehtar Lam city on July 19; in Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah city on July 20; in Herat city in Herat province on July 21; in Mazar-e-Sharif city in Balkh province on July 23; and in Panjshir province on July 24.

The Afghan government has opted to date to hold no formal ceremony marking the transition of all but one district of Kabul province to Afghan security control, Robbins said. She noted that Afghan national security forces have been in the lead in the capital city for several years.

During ceremonies marking the Lashkar Gah transition, Afghan military officials recognized the importance of their new responsibility to provide peace and stability in Helmand province’s capital and largest city.

“Our men have picked up good skills from coalition forces and we are now ready to take over security,” said Afghan National Army Brig. Gen. Sheren Shah, commander of 3rd Brigade, 215th Corps.

Coalition forces will remain in the area to help guide a smooth transition and provide advice to the Afghan forces, said British Army Lt. Col. Alistair Aitken, commanding officer of Combined Forces Lashkar Gah.

The security transitions took place amid major leadership changes in Afghanistan.

U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan C. Crocker was sworn into his new post yesterday, and Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen assumed command of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan last week.

Speaking to employees at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul following his swearing-in, Crocker pointed to last week’s successful security transition as an indicator of progress. He vowed to work hand-in-hand with Allen, coalition leaders and the Afghan government to continue.

The coming year will be critical in setting the right path, Crocker said, emphasizing the importance of thinking through the transition period carefully and in consultation with the Afghan government.

“I think all of us -- Americans, coalition partners, the international community and the Afghan leadership -- know that we must proceed carefully,” he said. “There will be no rush for the exits. The way we do this in the months ahead will have consequences far beyond Afghanistan and far into the future.”

Allen, in a letter to ISAF as he took his new command, emphasized the importance of coordinating and cooperating closely with Afghan partners to support the transition.

“Now is the time to be ‘all in’ as we support the prosecution of the campaign, the development and fielding of the [Afghan forces] and the process of transition,” he wrote.

“When we have completed the work of this campaign, Afghans will be in the lead in security across the country, securing the final phase of transition in 2014,” Allen wrote. “They will be postured not only to prevent the return of extremism and terrorism in Afghanistan, but also to achieve Afghanistan’s long-term security requirements.”

(Marine Corps Cpl. Adam Leyendecker, deployed to Regional Command Southwest with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, contributed to this article.)

Combined Security Forces Kill, Detain Several Insurgents

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained several others during an overnight security operation yesterday targeting an insurgent leader responsible for directing attacks against Afghan forces in the Sherzad district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, military officials reported.

The Afghan-led force encountered several armed insurgents and spotted insurgents taking up firing positions with assault rifles. Several insurgents were killed in the ensuing fight.

In other operations in Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined force killed two insurgents during an operation in Sar-e Pul province’s Sar-e Pul district. After being notified of two insurgents conducting Taliban operations in the area, the Afghan-led force moved to detain them. One insurgent reached for a rifle, prompting the force to engage the armed men, killing both. The security force found several assault rifles, chest racks and loaded magazines while clearing the area.

-- In Paktika province, a combined force detained two suspected insurgents during a search for a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in the Mata Khan district.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district, a combined force detained numerous suspected insurgents while looking for a Haqqani leader responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks against the Afghan army.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani facilitator and one of his associates in Khost province’s Sabari district. The facilitator was responsible for moving fighters and weapons.

-- In Kandahar province’s Zharay district, a combined force killed an insurgent and detained several others. The combined force found the insurgents inside a compound, and with assistance from close air support, engaged them, killing one.

-- In Helmand province’s Washer district, a combined force seized 220 pounds of opium and detained two insurgents.

-- A coalition force seized 37 40 mm grenades, 97 hand grenades and 89 fuses in the Bamyan province’s Kahmard district.

In operations July 3:

-- A combined force killed more than 15 insurgents in Nangarhar province’s Sherzad district. The operation’s goal was to seize an insurgent weapons cache and to disrupt the flow of insurgent fighters and weapons across western Nangarhar, officials said. During a search, the Afghan-led force encountered multiple groups of armed insurgents who opened fire when the force tried to detain them peacefully. The force responded, killing more than 15 insurgents. Later, the force found multiple fortified fighting positions and seized a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, several machine guns, grenades, assault rifles and chest racks.

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in Balkh province’s Chahar Bolak district. The leader conducted roadside-bomb and small-arms attacks against Afghan security forces.

-- In Kunduz province’s Archi district, an Afghan-led combined force detained several people with suspected Taliban ties. The operation targeted a Taliban commander who leads a bomb-attack network in the district.

-- During clearing operations in Kandahar province’s Zharay district, a combined force killed several insurgents and detained two others.

-- A combined patrol detained a suspected insurgent leader in Uruzgan province’s Tarin Kot district. The suspected leader was detained for allegedly building and distributing homemade bombs. Afghan authorities detained several others for further questioning.

-- A combined force detained a suspected insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader in Zabul province’s Qalat district. The facilitator planted roadside bombs, coordinated fighters’ movements and levied illegal taxes against Afghan civilians for the Taliban.

-- In Helmand province’s Marja district, a combined force detained several people with suspected ties to the Taliban and found 100 pounds of opium while looking for a Taliban leader who directs an attack cell in the area. His cell is responsible for multiple roadside-bomb attacks and solicits narcotics, heavy machine guns and rockets.

-- In Helmand province’s Kajaki district, an Afghan-led combined force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for the senior Taliban military leader operating in the province’s Sangin district.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani leader and two suspected insurgents in Paktika province’s Mata Khan district. The leader was responsible for conducting, coordinating and directing roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district, an Afghan-led combined force captured a Haqqani leader and two suspected insurgents. The leader participated in attacks against the Afghan army and provided training for indirect-fire attacks.

In operations July 2:

-- A combined force killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in Kunduz province’s Archi district. The leader directs attacks against Afghan government officials and security forces. During the search, the force pursued several armed insurgents. The insurgents engaged the force, resulting in several insurgents being killed. The force found a grenade launcher and several grenades.

-- In Kandahar province’s Panjwai district, a security force captured a Taliban bomb-maker and one of his associates.

-- An Afghan-led combined force captured a Taliban facilitator in Kandahar province’s Dand district. He was responsible for purchasing and delivering weapons and ammunition in Kandahar City.

-- In Helmand province’s Now Zad district, a combined force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for the Taliban’s governing official for operations in the Washer district.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Sherzad district, a combined force killed an insurgent and detained a suspected insurgent while searching for the Taliban’s governing official for operations in western Nangarhar. The Afghan-led force saw several armed insurgents fleeing the area, and an engagement followed when the force tried to stop them. The force found about 70 pounds of explosives.

-- A combined force in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district, detained a man with suspected Taliban ties while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district, a combined force captured a Haqqani network leader and two associates. The leader facilitated suicide bombers and stored weapons and explosives at his home.

-- Also in Khost’s Sabari district, an Afghan-led combined force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani facilitator responsible for building, moving and planting roadside bombs.

-- A combined force detained two suspected insurgents in Ghazni province’s Ghazni district during a search for a Taliban leader responsible for attacks against Afghan forces.

-- In Herat province’s Shindand district, a coalition patrol seized 23 rocket boosters, an 80 mm rocket warhead, three rockets, seven launch charges, 20 grenades, other munitions and 2 pounds of TNT.

In operations July 1:

-- A combined force killed several insurgents and detained a suspected insurgent in Balkh province’s Balkh district while searching for the Taliban’s district chief. Insurgents armed with assault rifles attacked the Afghan-led force. The force returned fire, killing several insurgents, and detained a man with suspected insurgent ties.

-- In Kunduz province’s Chahar Darah district, a combined force killed an insurgent and captured a leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist organization. The combined force killed the insurgent after making numerous attempts to apprehend him peacefully.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and one of his associates in Zabul province’s Qalat district.

-- In Kandahar province’s Dand district, a combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and two associates.

-- -In Kandahar province’s Panjwai district, an Afghan-led combined force captured a Taliban leader and two suspected insurgents. The leader was responsible for planning and executing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Zharay and Panjwai districts.

-- In Helmand province’s Sangin district, a combined force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator who coordinates movements of materials for insurgents in the area.

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province’s Nahr-e Saraj district while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for directing and facilitating roadside-bomb attacks and suicide bombers.

-- A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents in Ghazni province’s Qarah Bagh district after they were observed planting roadside bombs along a major highway.

-- In Paktika province’s Sarobi district, a combined force captured a Haqqani leader and two of his associates. The leader conducted reconnaissance operations targeting Afghan and coalition forces, providing information to Haqqani leaders in Pakistan.

-- An Afghan-led combined force in Khost province detained two suspected insurgents during a search for a Haqqani facilitator. The man acquires bomb materials and weapons and coordinates their transfer to fighters in the area.

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents, including one man who was disguised in women’s clothing, during a search for a Taliban leader in Ghazni province’s Ghazni district. The leader directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Force Kills Insurgents, Captures Taliban Leaders

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 22, 2011 – An Afghan-led combined security force killed two armed insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Afghanistan’s Laghman province yesterday, military officials reported.

Reports indicate the leader is finalizing preparations for an attack in Laghman’s Alingar district, officials said. The man is known to support both Taliban and Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin networks, and has been involved in attacks against the Afghan army, they said.

The force saw the insurgents holding rocket-propelled grenade launchers and small-arms weapons while hiding in a nearby tree line.

In other operations in Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined force killed an insurgent and captured a Taliban leader and his assistant during a security operation in Kandahar province’s Zharay district. The leader conducted roadside-bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan forces, and his assistant is believed responsible for attack planning and moving materials inside the district. Other suspected insurgents were detained.

-- In Helmand province’s Marjah district, a combined security force detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban organizer during an intelligence-driven security operation in Laghman province’s Mehtar Lam district. The leader supported insurgents through surveillance of possible targets and by distributing weapons, ammunition and supplies to area leaders.

-- A combined force in Paktika province’s Dilah wa Khoshamand district captured a Haqqani terrorist network leader and several of his associates. The leader directed attacks against security forces.

-- During a search in Khost province’s Sabari district, a security force detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Haqqani organizer responsible for planning attacks against security forces in the district.

-- Tips from residents led a force patrol in Bamyan province’s Kahmard district to a weapons cache containing three rocket-propelled grenades, a high-explosive rocket, a 107 mm incendiary shell, three 152 mm shells, eight 82 mm mortars, 14 hand grenades, two mortar fuses, two flares, nine RPG boosters, 22 mortar-propelling cartridges, eight grenade fuses, eight anti-personnel landmines and 14.7 mm ammunition.

-- A coalition force in Ghor province’s Chaghcharan district found 50 82 mm mortar rounds and eight mortar fuses.

Afghan, Coalition Forces Nab Insurgent, Find Weapons

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2011 – Afghan and coalition troops yesterday found a weapons cache and detained one suspect during a security operation conducted in the Charkh district of Logar province, military officials reported.

The Afghan-led force was searching for a Taliban leader in the district. The leader is responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition combined forces.

During the operation Afghan members of the force searched a mosque where they discovered 100 light machine-gun rounds, 13 rocket-propelled grenade boosters, 12 RPG rounds, 12 heavy machine-gun rounds, two grenades and one landmine.

The individual associated with the weapons cache was detained. No shots were fired and the women and children were protected throughout the search.

In other operations in Afghanistan yesterday:

-- An ISAF patrol operating in the Giro district of Ghazni province discovered a weapons cache consisting of one 122 mm rocket, eight rocket-propelled grenades and one hand grenade.

-- An Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and several of his associates during a security operation in the Dand district of Kandahar province. The leader directed operations in Kandahar City and Senjaray village, and was responsible for transferring explosives throughout the district. He also was involved in aiding in the escape of detained insurgents.

-- In Zabul province, an Afghan and coalition force detained several suspects during an overnight operation targeting a Taliban leader in Tarnek wa Jaldak district. The leader works in the Net Khaliq attack cell. He is linked to enemy reconnaissance efforts, as well as arranging for the release and transfer of insurgent prisoners.

-- Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban facilitator and two of his associates during a security operation in the Marjeh district of Helmand province. The facilitator coordinated the movement of injured Taliban fighters through his network of couriers and drivers. He’s also linked to efforts to aid detained Taliban insurgents escape custody.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani network facilitator in the Sabari district of Khost province. The facilitator is linked to the transfer and emplacement of roadside bombs.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and one of his associates during a security operation in Achin district, yesterday. The facilitator participated in attacks against the Afghan National Army and provided weapons, munitions and finances to insurgents throughout the district. The security force confiscated a RPG launcher, a mortar tube, multiple rounds of ammunition and a chest rack.

-- An Afghan and coalition force captured a Haqqani network facilitator and one suspect during a security operation in the Yahya Khel district of Paktika province. The facilitator is linked to providing reports to Haqqani leaders regarding recent attacks.

-- In Khost, an Afghan and coalition force detained several suspects during a security operation targeting a Haqqani network leader in the Dilah wa Khoshamand district. The leader is linked to enemy fighter cells and attacks against the Afghan police.

In June 5 operations:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force operation discovered an explosives cache during a security operation in the Bagrami district of Kabul province. The operation secured 1,764 pounds of homemade explosives, 300 blasting caps, two rolls of timed fuses and one AK-47 rifle. One man associated with the cache was detained by Afghan authorities for questioning.

-- In the Shaybar district of Bamyan province, a coalition patrol discovered a weapons cache containing four rockets, eight RPG grenades, 204 7.62 mm rounds, 10 anti-personnel mines, 20 mortar fuses, six RPG boosters and four magazines. All confiscated weapons and explosives will be destroyed.

-- An Afghan and coalition force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province. The leader works with Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leadership in Takhar province. He assists the head of the Taliban commission for Takhar and facilitates the transportation of explosive components and directs roadside bomb emplacements. Following intelligence tips, the Afghan-led security force targeted a compound in the district to search for the leader. During the search the force detained two individuals with suspected ties to the leader. No shots were fired during the night operation and no civilians were harmed.

Officials Confirm Capture of Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2011 – Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the capture of the suspected senior Taliban leader for Afghanistan’s Helmand province and his predecessor during a May 14 operation in the province’s Babaji district.

One of the men is accused of being the head of Helmand’s Taliban provincial commission until the second man recently returned from Pakistan and assumed the role, officials said. Both are suspected members of the Quetta Shura.

Both men reportedly ordered the intimidation of the local population and were in charge of the insurgent justice system in that area, military officials said. The senior leader also managed military appointments and the supply of weapons and ammunition to conduct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Both men surrendered and were detained along with several other suspected insurgents with ties to insurgent activities, officials added.

In operations around Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force conducted an operation resulting in the detention of two suspected insurgents and the death of an Afghan civilian in Helmand province’s Musa Qalah district. The security force was searching for a Taliban facilitator and noticed a man fleeing the area. They pursued him to a nearby wood line, and an Afghan member of the force called for him to come out. He began to move directly toward the security force with an object in his hand despite instructions and warnings relayed in multiple ethnic languages, and he raised the object. Perceiving a threat the security force killed him. It was later discovered the object in the man’s hand was a flashlight.

-- In Sar-e-Pul province’s Sayad district, a combined Afghan force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for the acting Taliban governing official of Jowzjan province.

-- A combined force in Helmand’s Kajaki district killed two insurgents who tried to engage them. The combined force found and destroyed 353 pounds of opium and 132 pounds of other narcotics.

-- In Zabul province’s Qalat district, a combined force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation targeting key leaders of a Taliban roadside-bomb cell.

-- Also in Helmand province, separate combined patrols found weapons caches in the Marja and Sangin districts. The weapons included an 82 mm mortar round, 21 recoilless rifle rounds, six anti-personnel mines, two 105 mm smoke shells, a 107 mm warhead, a 130 mm high-explosive artillery shell, three communication radios and four full assault-rifle magazines.

-- A combined force captured a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin terrorist network facilitator in Khost province’s Sabari district.

-- In an intelligence-driven operation in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district, a combined force detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban.

-- A combined force in Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban leader.

-- Afghan civilians in Bamyan province’s Kahmard district led Afghan and coalition forces to a weapons cache consisting of 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine-gun ammunition, 23 hand-grenades and 21 rocket-propelled grenades. The security force destroyed the weapons and ammunition.

Forces Capture Insurgents, Weapons in Afghanistan

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2011 – Combined forces yesterday captured a Taliban leader and found a weapons stockpile during operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Troops found the Taliban leader, who is responsible for trafficking weapons to Taliban fighters and Haqqani network terrorists, in Logar province’s Pul-e Alam district.

Security forces in Bamyan province’s Kahmard district found 74 hand grenades, 36 rocket-propelled grenades with nine boosters, 20 rifles, two land mines and a 107 mm high-explosive rocket.

In operations throughout Afghanistan April 13:

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed numerous insurgents and detained several suspects after armed militants attacked their patrol. Troops confiscated several rifles, 2,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, two motorcycles, a pistol and opium.

-- Security forces captured several suspected insurgents, including an alleged Taliban financier and bomb trafficker, in Lagham province’s Alishen district.

-- Based on tips from local residents, combined forces in Zabul province’s Shah Joy district captured a Taliban leader.

-- Forces discovered several weapons and drug caches throughout Afghanistan. The operations resulted in seizure of 1,160 assault rifle rounds, 426 pounds of narcotics, 300 automatic machine-gun rounds, 200 bag of ammonium nitrate -- a banned fertilizer used to make homemade bombs -- 198 pounds of hashish, six rockets, four assault rifles, three pistols and two rocket-propelled grenades.

Raid Nets Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during a raid yesterday in the Zharay district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader was responsible for procuring weapons, setting up attacks and recruiting new fighters, and he maintained close connections with Pakistan-based Taliban leaders and their key associates, officials said.

In other operations yesterday:

-- In an intelligence-driven operation, a partnered Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban facilitator responsible for planning and conducting roadside-bomb attacks targeting Afghan government officials and coalition forces in Zabul province’s Shah Joy district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed and detained several insurgents after taking small-arms fire in Kunar province’s Sar Kani district. Afghan soldiers detained more than 10 suspected insurgents during the operation.

-- An Afghan and coalition force acting on intelligence information captured a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and two other suspected insurgents in Khost province’s Sabari district. The facilitator was responsible for acquiring weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces.

-- In an intelligence-driven operation in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district, a combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban facilitator associated with bomb attacks.

-- A partnered force looking for a Taliban leader in Logar’s Charkh district detained several suspected insurgents. The wanted man is responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces in the province’s Charkh and Baraki Barak districts and works under a senior Taliban leader responsible for the kidnapping and murder of two coalition personnel last summer, officials said.

-- A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents in Kunar province’s Marawarah district after a dismounted patrol reported a group of insurgents getting into position to attack coalition forces.

-- In Bamyan province, an Afghan civilian turned in 10 high-explosive rockets, seven rocket-propelled grenade charges, eight grenades and four 82 mm projectiles.

-- A coalition patrol in Ghazni province’s Ghazni district found a chemical and weapons cache that included hundreds of pounds of explosive chemicals, 15 mines, three grenades and assorted ammunition.

In April 2 operations:

-- Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops killed several insurgents, captured two others and discovered a weapons cache in Uruzgan province’s Deh Rawud district. After coming under small-arms fire by numerous insurgents, the combined patrol returned fire and called for air support, and several insurgents were killed in an airstrike. The combined force found and destroyed a shotgun, three assault rifles, nine full assault-rifle magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, five RPG rounds, 17 RPG motors, a 155 mm artillery shell, two grenades, an anti-tank mine and two chest racks at the scene.

-- A partnered force conducting a clearing operation killed an insurgent and found a weapons cache in Zabul province’s Shah Joy district after taking small-arms fire during a search. The security force found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, four RPG rounds with boosters, two assault rifles, a radio, a hand grenade, a homemade bomb, two chest racks with assault-rifle magazines, various bomb-making materials and personal military equipment.

-- In Kunar’s Sar Kani district, an ISAF air weapons team supporting ground forces killed numerous armed insurgents.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force acting on intelligence information killed a Taliban facilitator in Zabul province’s Shah Joy district after taking small-arms fire. After the engagement, the security force found the armed insurgent dead, along with an Afghan civilian. The force was unaware of the Afghan civilian’s presence until they cleared the building, officials said. The security force found a rocket-propelled grenade with four rounds, four RPG Boosters, two assault rifles, a fragmentation grenade, two chest racks with assault-rifle magazines, a homemade bomb, multiple detonators, bomb-making materials and a hand-held radio. "We deeply regret the accidental killing of a civilian during this operation," said Army Col. Patrick Hynes, ISAF Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We use every means at our disposal to conduct operations in a way that reduces the possibility of civilian casualties, and we'll make amends for this unfortunate event."

-- An Afghan and coalition force looking for two local Taliban leaders detained several suspected insurgents in Baghlan province’s Baghlan-e Jadid district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban facilitator and detained numerous other suspected insurgents in Kunduz province’s Imam Sahib district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed a Taliban insurgent and detained two other suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator in Helmand province’s Kajaki district. The force targeted a compound in the district based on numerous intelligence reports. While moving into position, the force was returned fire on three armed insurgents who were attempting to flee, killing one.

-- A combined force looking for a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in Khost province’s Sabari district detained several suspected insurgents in an intelligence-driven operation.

-- In Paktiya province’s Zurmat district, a partnered force detained numerous suspected Haqqani insurgents during an intelligence-driven raid.

-- Also in Paktiya province, another partnered force detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani facilitator in the Gardez district. The wanted man is responsible for planning attacks against coalition forces and transports bomb-making materials and fighters from Pakistan, officials said.

-- Two ISAF air weapons teams killed numerous insurgents in Kunar province’s Marawarah district.

-- An ISAF air weapons team supporting ground forces killed two armed insurgents in Helmand’s Marja district.

-- Also in Helmand province, an ISAF patrol was fired on by several insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district. Coalition forces returned fire, killing one insurgent and forcing the others to flee.

In April 1 operations:

-- A combined Afghan and ISAF patrol killed two insurgents and detained several others while seeking a senior Taliban leader in Helmand’s Musa Qualah district. One insurgent was killed when he raised an assault rifle, and the other was killed when he tried to throw a grenade.

-- An partnered patrol found an assault rifle, 1,000 7.62 mm rounds, 18 82 mm mortar rounds, four grenades, three rocket-propelled grenade rounds, an RPG launcher, six RPG boosters, a 60 mm mortar round and six chest racks in Kandahar’s Zharay district.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined patrol operating in the Sherazad district found 2,500 pounds of marijuana.

-- In Paktika, Parwan and Ghazni provinces, ISAF patrols found 11 assault rifles, 150 7.62 mm rounds, two chest racks, seven mortar rounds, two artillery shells, 13 grenades, 12 anti-personnel mines, two RPG rounds, two pressure plates, a bag of ball bearings, electrical components suitable for bomb-making, detonation cord, dynamite and homemade explosives.

-- Afghan and coalition forces acting on intelligence information detained two men while searching for a Taliban leader in Jawzjan province’s Qosh Tepa district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban leader in Kandahar’s Panjway district during an intelligence-driven operation. The security force also found and destroyed 100 pounds of ammonium nitrate –- a banned fertilizer used in making bombs -- and 100 pounds of marijuana.

-- Also in Kandahar, Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban facilitator in Kandahar City.

-- In an intelligence-driven operation in Khost’s Sabari district, Afghan and coalition forces detained a facilitator and an insurgent from the Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin terrorist organization, along with another suspected insurgent.

-- Also in Khost province, Afghan and coalition security forces acting on intelligence tips detained three suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani network facilitator in the Sabari district.

-- In Logar province’s Baraki Barak district, Afghan and coalition forces detained four suspected insurgents in an intelligence-driven operation targeting a Taliban safe haven.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban bomb-attack facilitator in Zabul’s Qalat district.

-- Afghan and ISAF forces in Kapisa province found a pistol, an assault rifle, 580 7.62 mm rounds, three full assault-rifle magazines, a box of 12.7 mm rounds, 80 82 mm mortar rounds, an anti-personnel mine, homemade explosives, a chest rack, an Afghan army uniform and various bomb-making components in the Mahmud-e Raqi district.

-- In Helmand province’s Sangin district, an ISAF patrol tracked several armed insurgents and called for air support. An air weapons team killed one insurgent and forced the others to flee.

-- In Helmand and Kandahar provinces, Afghan and ISAF patrols found five anti-personnel mines, 175 pounds of homemade explosives, three pressure plates, 23 battery packs, four radios, 30 cell phones, a chest rack and various electrical components for homemade bombs. Afghan forces also detained two suspected insurgents related to one of the caches.

Karzai Announces Areas to Transition to Afghan Control

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 – Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced the first seven areas of his country that will transition to full Afghan security control.

The announcement marks the beginning of the process that will see Afghan forces responsible for security across the whole country by the end of 2014.

In a speech in the Afghan capital of Kabul, Karzai announced that the area around Kabul -– except the Sarobi district –- will transition. Afghan forces already are in charge of security for most of the area.

Officials in Afghanistan and the United States stressed this was an Afghan decision.

“This heralds the beginning of the transition process for those areas,” said Army Lt. Col. Beth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

Other areas that will transition are Panjshi and Bamiyan provinces, the city of Herat in western Afghanistan and the city of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.

Afghan forces will take the lead in Balkh province’s capital of Mazar-e-Sherif and in Laghman province’s Methalam city.

The announcement follows a careful process in choosing the areas. A joint Afghan-NATO group examined the capabilities of Afghan forces and areas where the security, governance and development processes are sufficiently advanced. The conclusions were forwarded to NATO defense ministers, who accepted the recommendations during a meeting earlier this month. But the transition decision was completely in Karzai’s hands, officials said.

“We understand taking complete responsibility of governance, security and reconstruction in our country is not an easy task in a situation in which, on one hand we suffer from the legacy of 30 years of war, and on the other hand destruction and interference is still going on,” Karzai said, according to a translation of his speech at the National Military Academy. “We know that the people of Afghanistan do not want the defense of their country to be on others, and also those who have helped us during the last 10 years cannot afford any more sacrifices for our security and defense.

“This is also for the sake of this reason,” he continued, “that we have agreed with the international community that the Afghan government responsibilities should be handed over to Afghans.”

Afghan President, ISAF Condemn Suicide Bomb Attack

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2011 – The International Security Assistance Force joins Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning the killing and wounding of several civilians, including the Chahar Darha district governor, in today’s suicide attack in Kunduz province.

Reports indicate that a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near a government building in the district.

“We join President Karzai in condemning this attack on the district governor and innocent civilians,” said Navy Rear Admiral Vic Beck, ISAF director of public affairs. “We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and we hope for a quick recovery for those injured in this senseless attack.”

In Afghanistan news yesterday:

-- Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops killed Awal Jan, a Taliban weapons and improvised-explosive-device facilitator, during a security operation in Chak-e district, Wardak province, military officials reported. Awal Jan was operating in the district, supplying insurgents with weapons and improvised-explosive-device components to include explosive material for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search after securing the compound. While securing the location Awal Jan, who was armed, threatened the security force, resulting in him being killed. The security force recovered an AK-47 rifle, a chest rack and ammunition from Awal Jan.

-- Afghan and coalition forces targeted a compound where an Islamic Jihad Union facilitator and several suspected insurgents were detained during an operation in Dowlatabad district, Balkh province. The facilitator is responsible for coordinating the movement of foreign fighters from Iran and Pakistan into Afghanistan. Several suspected insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- A separate security force searched a compound in Nahr-e Shahi district where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit buildings peacefully before conducting a search. Several suspected insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- In Arghandab district, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan security force and ISAF patrol found a weapons cache consisting of 14 anti-personnel mines, six grenades, three initiators, one sack of ball bearings, five blocks of explosives, seven rocket-propelled-grenade warheads, seven mortars and loose ammunition. Also in the district a separate Afghan army and ISAF patrol found six 82 mm rounds.

-- In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, a combined patrol discovered 450 pounds of marijuana.

-- In Gelan district, Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban facilitator along with one suspected insurgent. The facilitator was responsible for providing detailed reports to senior Taliban leaders to assist them in ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition vehicles in the area. The facilitator and one suspected insurgent were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- In Nangarhar province, Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Surkh Rod district. The leader operated out of Pachir wa Agam district, and was responsible for planning and organizing attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces in Jalalabad and surrounding areas. Reports led the security forces to the targeted compound in the district, where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The Taliban leader identified himself as the targeted insurgent and was detained.

-- A Haqqani facilitator and two suspected insurgents were detained by Afghan and coalition forces during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province. The facilitator was responsible for the facilitation and execution of an imminent suicide-vehicle-borne IED attack against Afghan army and coalition forces. The facilitator was identified as the targeted insurgent by an individual in the compound and was detained. The two additional suspected insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- In Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, an ISAF patrol received small-arms fire from an unknown number of insurgents. After gaining positive identification, coalition forces requested close air support and engaged the enemy position, killing one insurgent.

-- In Nurgaram district, Nuristan province, an ISAF patrol discovered 80 pounds of homemade explosives.

-- In Kahmard district, Bamyan province, an ISAF patrol found 58 82 mm rounds, two 107 mm rounds, two 81 mm rounds, four 81 mm missiles, one RPG round and one mine.

-- In Bamyan province, one Afghan child was killed and another wounded while playing with unexploded ordnance in Kahman district. Afghan soldiers responded to the scene of the incident. The wounded child was transported to a local hospital.

-- In Andar district, Ghazni province, an ISAF patrol observed two insurgents with weapons on a motorcycle. After establishing positive identification, coalition forces engaged the enemy position with one Hellfire missile, killing the two insurgents.

-- A security force conducted a weapons cache recover operation in Khanabad district, Kunduz province. The force destroyed 27 OG9 rockets, 14 propelling charges and one mortar tube.

-- An ISAF patrol was engaged with insurgent small-arms fire in Kajaki district, Helmand province. After gaining positive identification, the unit returned small-arms fire and high-explosive mortar rounds. After observing good effects on the insurgent position, the unit was engaged from a different firing point. As the engagement continued, the ISAF unit continued shelling the insurgent position with mortar rounds and an air weapons team also engaged the position. Initial reporting indicates more than 10 insurgents were killed in the fighting with no ISAF injuries.

-- A combined dismounted patrol in Zharay district, Kandahar province found a weapons cache consisting of 500 7.62 mm rounds, one AK-47 and five AK-47 magazines.

-- In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, a combined patrol discovered 26 rocket-propelled grenade motors, two AK-47s, 301 9 mm rounds, 54 23 mm rounds, along with other assorted weapons and ammunition. All of the confiscated weapons have been or will be destroyed.

In Feb. 8 Afghanistan news:

-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol detained a suspected Taliban leader and an associate in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province. The target was detained by Afghan forces for allegedly commanding approximately 20 fighters in Wardak, moving groups of fighters back and forth from Pakistan to Afghanistan and funding Taliban groups in the area.

Security Forces Kill Taliban Weapons Facilitator

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2011 – Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops yesterday killed Awal Jan, a Taliban weapons and improvised-explosive-device facilitator, during a security operation in Chak-e district, Wardak province, military officials reported.

Awal Jan was operating in the district, supplying insurgents with weapons and improvised-explosive-device components to include explosive material for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search after securing the compound. While securing the location Awal Jan, who was armed, threatened the security force, resulting in him being killed. The security force recovered an AK-47 rifle, a chest rack and ammunition from Awal Jan.

In other Afghanistan news yesterday:

-- Afghan and coalition forces targeted a compound where an Islamic Jihad Union facilitator and several suspected insurgents were detained during an operation in Dowlatabad district, Balkh province. The facilitator is responsible for coordinating the movement of foreign fighters from Iran and Pakistan into Afghanistan. Several suspected insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- A separate security force searched a compound in Nahr-e Shahi district where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit buildings peacefully before conducting a search. Several suspected insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- In Arghandab district, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan security force and ISAF patrol found a weapons cache consisting of 14 anti-personnel mines, six grenades, three initiators, one sack of ball bearings, five blocks of explosives, seven rocket-propelled-grenade warheads, seven mortars and loose ammunition. Also in the district a separate Afghan army and ISAF patrol found six 82 mm rounds.

-- In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, a combined patrol discovered 450 pounds of marijuana.

-- In Gelan district, Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban facilitator along with one suspected insurgent. The facilitator was responsible for providing detailed reports to senior Taliban leaders to assist them in ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition vehicles in the area. The facilitator and one suspected insurgent were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- In Nangarhar province, Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Surkh Rod district. The leader operated out of Pachir wa Agam district, and was responsible for planning and organizing attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces in Jalalabad and surrounding areas. Reports led the security forces to the targeted compound in the district, where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The Taliban leader identified himself as the targeted insurgent and was detained.

-- A Haqqani facilitator and two suspected insurgents were detained by Afghan and coalition forces during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province. The facilitator was responsible for the facilitation and execution of an imminent suicide-vehicle-borne IED attack against Afghan army and coalition forces. The facilitator was identified as the targeted insurgent by an individual in the compound and was detained. The two additional suspected insurgents were detained based on initial questioning at the scene.

-- In Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, an ISAF patrol received small-arms fire from an unknown number of insurgents. After gaining positive identification, coalition forces requested close air support and engaged the enemy position, killing one insurgent.

-- In Nurgaram district, Nuristan province, an ISAF patrol discovered 80 pounds of homemade explosives.

-- In Kahmard district, Bamyan province, an ISAF patrol found 58 82 mm rounds, two 107 mm rounds, two 81 mm rounds, four 81 mm missiles, one RPG round and one mine.

-- In Bamyan province, one Afghan child was killed and another wounded while playing with unexploded ordnance in Kahman district. Afghan soldiers responded to the scene of the incident. The wounded child was transported to a local hospital.

-- In Andar district, Ghazni province, an ISAF patrol observed two insurgents with weapons on a motorcycle. After establishing positive identification, coalition forces engaged the enemy position with one Hellfire missile, killing the two insurgents.

-- A security force conducted a weapons cache recover operation in Khanabad district, Kunduz province. The force destroyed 27 OG9 rockets, 14 propelling charges and one mortar tube.

-- An ISAF patrol was engaged with insurgent small-arms fire in Kajaki district, Helmand province. After gaining positive identification, the unit returned small-arms fire and high-explosive mortar rounds. After observing good effects on the insurgent position, the unit was engaged from a different firing point. As the engagement continued, the ISAF unit continued shelling the insurgent position with mortar rounds and an air weapons team also engaged the position. Initial reporting indicates more than 10 insurgents were killed in the fighting with no ISAF injuries.

-- A combined dismounted patrol in Zharay district, Kandahar province found a weapons cache consisting of 500 7.62 mm rounds, one AK-47 and five AK-47 magazines.

-- In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, a combined patrol discovered 26 rocket-propelled grenade motors, two AK-47s, 301 9 mm rounds, 54 23 mm rounds, along with other assorted weapons and ammunition. All of the confiscated weapons have been or will be destroyed.

In Feb. 8 Afghanistan news:

-- A joint Afghan and ISAF patrol detained a suspected Taliban leader and an associate in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province. The target was detained by Afghan forces for allegedly commanding approximately 20 fighters in Wardak, moving groups of fighters back and forth from Pakistan to Afghanistan and funding Taliban groups in the area.