Combined Force Arrests Taliban-affiliated Insurgent

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2012 – In the Andar district of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, an Afghan and coalition security force today arrested a Taliban-affiliated insurgent responsible for acquiring and emplacing improvised explosive devices along Highway 1, military officials reported.

The Taliban-affiliated insurgent also is responsible for several rocket attacks against Afghan and coalition convoys in the region, officials said.

At the time of his arrest, officials said, the insurgent was actively planning to conduct several more IED attacks along Highway 1, and also was planning to kidnap an Afghan government official.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents during the operation, officials said.

In other operations today:

-- In the Now Zad district of Helmand province, a combined force detained several suspects and seized several assault rifles during an operation to arrest a Taliban explosives cell leader. The Taliban leader controls an insurgent cell specializing in IEDs and suicide attacks.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force detained numerous suspects during an operation to arrest a Taliban weapons supplier in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

-- In the Zharay district of Kandahar province, a combined force detained multiple suspects and seized more than 100 fake IDs during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader. The sought-after Taliban leader is responsible for providing operational guidance to insurgent fighters, as well as planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force killed two insurgents, detained several suspects and seized several firearms during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province. The sought-after Taliban leader builds and emplaces IEDs that are used throughout the region. He also acquires heavy weapons and assault rifles for Taliban insurgents.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed three insurgents in Ghazni province’s Ab Band district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Kapisa province’s Nejrab district.

-- In Khost province, a combined force found and cleared one IED in the Sabari district and another in the Bak district.

-- A combined force killed three insurgents in Kunar province’s Nari district.

-- In Logar province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Pul-e Alam district.

-- A coalition airstrike killed two insurgents in Logar province’s Kharwar district.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined force detained an insurgent who was emplacing an IED in the Bati Kot district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Paktika province’s Orgun district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Paktia province’s Gardez district.

-- Also in Paktia province, a combined force detained two insurgents who were found in possession of suspicious materials in the Shwak district.

Combined Force Detains Multiple Insurgents

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan   – An Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation to capture a Taliban leader in the Zharay district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The wanted Taliban leader serves as the senior insurgent in the Sangin district and he attempts to enforce Taliban law on civilians in the area, officials said. He also plans and executes roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Ghorak district of Helmand province. The insurgent leader conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces operating in the Sangin and Kajaki districts. He’s also active in intimidation and murder campaigns against Afghan civilians who refuse to adhere to Taliban law.

-- A combined force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Andar district of Ghazni province. The sought-after insurgent conducts roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition troops, primarily along Highway 1. He also directs suicide assaults and other attacks against Afghan and coalition bases.

-- A combined force detained two suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Maidan Shahr district of Wardak province. The leader organizes roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the province, and supplies weapons and ammunition to insurgents.

-- In the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Helmand province, a combined force discovered a drug cache containing more than 1,030 pounds of narcotics and also seized an AK-47 rifle, along with four ammo magazines with 115 rounds.

-- A combined force discovered a drug cache containing 1,980 pounds of narcotics in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Helmand province.

Afghan Forces Contain Taliban Attack in Kabul

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON  – Afghan security forces led a capable and quick response in containing a Taliban attack in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul today, military officials reported.

All of the attackers were killed, officials said. According to initial International Security Assistance Force reporting, a small group of insurgents attacked a private compound. The attack was unsuccessful in killing any ISAF personnel, but it resulted in Afghan civilian casualties, including children.

"This is another desperate attack by the Taliban, but again another noteworthy performance by Afghan security forces for taking the lead in putting down another desperate attack by insurgents," said German army Brig. Gen. Carsten Jacobson, ISAF spokesman. The insurgents’ attack “resulted in the deaths of innocent Afghan civilians, with most of that being children from a nearby school," Jacobson added.

In operations around Afghanistan today:

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force killed an insurgent, detained several suspects and seized assault rifles, magazines with ammunition, and multiple grenades and rocket-propelled grenades during a mission to capture a Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader as well as multiple insurgents and confiscated bomb-making materials in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. The insurgent leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province. The leader plans and coordinates roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition forces. He also attempts to impose Taliban law on Afghan civilians in the Musa Qalah, Now Zad and Baghran districts.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and another suspect in the Gelan district of Ghazni province. The insurgent leader conducted roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan security forces and coalition troops along Highway 1.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects and seized a manual for constructing improvised explosive devices during an operation to capture a Haqqani network facilitator in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province. The facilitator provides weapons, ammunition and equipment to insurgents for attacks against Afghan officials, Afghan troops, and coalition forces in Kabul City.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects and seized several weapons and a grenade during an operation to capture a Haqqani facilitator in the Sabari district of Khost province. The facilitator provides weapons, ammunition and IEDs to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Yesterday, a combined force found and destroyed about 2,035 pounds of homemade explosive materials and multiple IED-making components in the Ab Band district of Ghazni province.

Combined Force Captures Taliban Insurgents

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 6, 2012 – Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban weapons supplier during an operation in the Aliabad district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province today, military officials reported.

The man provided weapons, ammunition and explosives to insurgents throughout the province for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. Two additional suspects were detained.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province, a Taliban leader was captured by Afghan and coalition security forces. The leader directed insurgent activity throughout the Trek Nawa area. The security forces also detained two other suspects.
-- A combined force captured a Taliban insurgent in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province. The man supplied insurgents with weapons, ammunition and explosives. One additional suspect was detained.
-- A combined force captured a Taliban insurgent in the Bati Kot district of Nangarhar province. The man planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district and provided weapons and bomb-making materials to insurgents.
-- An Afghan-led security force captured a Haqqani network leader in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Khost province. The leader was responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. Several other suspects also were detained.
-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Gelan district of Ghazni province. The leader directs attacks against Afghan civilians and security forces along Highway 1.
-- In the Maidan Shahr district of Wardak province, a combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban insurgent who buys weapons and equipment for insurgents.
-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban insurgent in the Charkh district of Logar province. The man provides logistical support and training to insurgents throughout the district.

Also yesterday, a combined force captured two Taliban leaders in the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province. One of the leaders directed the emplacement of roadside bombs and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The other man coordinated ambushes and roadside bombings in Marjah. The security force fired no shots and detained one other suspect.

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 – An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The leader coordinated roadside bomb and ambush attacks against Afghan forces along Route 1 in Helmand province, officials said.

The security force also seized 15 pounds of opium and detained an additional suspected insurgent.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined patrol seized about 500 pounds of marijuana and about 45 pounds of marijuana seeds in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province.

-- In the Zharay district of Kandahar province, a combined force seized 300 pounds of marijuana and detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban facilitator who plans attacks against coalition forces and moves weapons and ammunition throughout Kandahar.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and detained another suspect in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province. The leader planned assassinations and direct-fire attacks against Afghan government officials.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A coalition airstrike killed an insurgent after he attacked coalition forces with small-arms fire in the Alishing district of Laghman province.

-- Coalition forces arrested six people found with Afghan army uniforms and weapons in the Alingar district of Laghman province.

-- Coalition troops detained three people suspected of being bomb makers in the Terezaki district of Khost province.

-- Afghan police detained a man who had two assault rifles and ammunition in the Zurmat district of Paktia province.

-- Coalition troops detained a man for having bomb-making materials Khost’s Khost district.

-- Afghan border police detained a man as a person of interest in Paktia’s Jaji district.

-- A combined patrol found about 550 pounds of hashish and multiple 82 mm mortar rounds in Kandahar’s Panjwai district.

-- A combined patrol found and destroyed about 1,000 pounds of hashish in Kandahar’s Zharay district.

-- A combined force found and destroyed about 660 pounds of hashish in Helmand’s Musa Qalah district.

In other Afghanistan news, Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, International Security Assistance Force commander, joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning a recent insurgent rocket attack on a home in the Allasai district of Kapisa province that killed a woman and a child and injured seven other people.

"Continued deliberate attacks on the people of Afghanistan that result in the brutal murder of defenseless women and children clearly show that this heartless insurgency has no moral compass whatsoever," Allen said. "I join President Karzai in extending my deepest sympathies to the families of those who were killed, and in praying for the fastest recovery of those who were injured in this needless tragedy.”

Allen added that Taliban leader Mohammed Omar's “deafening silence and inaction in stopping these ongoing attacks against innocent Afghan civilians shows that his foot soldiers are now giving the orders while he and his inner circle reside in comfort, allowing the killing of their own brothers and sisters.”

Airstrike Kills Key Taliban Fighter in Afghanistan

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2011 – Afghan and coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill a key Taliban leader in Afghanistan’s Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.

The combined security force conducted the airstrike in Wardak’s Sayyidabad district, resulting in the death of a man they said was responsible for providing weapons and logistical support to insurgents for ambush and roadside-bomb attacks along the main thoroughfare, Highway 1.

The force called for the airstrike after ensuring no civilians were in the area, officials said, and following the strike, they assessed the area and determined no civilians were harmed.

In other operations around the front lines in Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A combined force killed a Taliban leader and two of his associates as they attempted to place a roadside bomb in the Chahar Bolak district of Balkh province. The leader organized and participated in attacks against Afghan forces, and distributed roadside bombs and weapons throughout the region. Multiple weapons and the roadside bomb were confiscated from the scene, and no civilians were harmed.

-- In the Chahar Darah district of Kunduz province, a combined security force captured a Taliban leader who had organized a group of insurgent fighters and was responsible for roadside bombs and direct-fire attacks throughout the region. Another suspected insurgent was detained.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader in the Dahanah-ye Ghori district of Baghlan province. The leader oversaw insurgent fighters and conducted large-scale attacks against Afghan forces and orchestrated bomb networks. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.

-- Also in Kunduz, a combined force detained a Taliban member who specialized in the construction and transportation of roadside bombs for use in attacks against Afghan forces throughout the region.

-- In the Zharay district of Kandahar province, a combined force found and seized nine hand grenades, nine grenade fuses and 350 7.62 mm rounds.

-- In Kandahar’s Panjwai district, a combined force detained a Taliban leader who trafficked weapons and explosives and planned attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force in the Zurmat district of Paktia province found 38 mortar canisters, various mortar rounds, an antipersonnel mine and five 105 mm rockets. The combined force blocked off the area to protect civilians, and an explosive ordnance disposal team safely removed the items.

-- In the Andar district of Ghazni province, a combined force found and seized an assault rifle and more than 1,200 7.62 mm and 9 mm rounds.

-- A combined force in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province found and seized nearly 8,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, which is used as an explosive.

Bridge clearing in Afghanistan

U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Bregel, team leader, prepares to clear a bridge during a bridge quality assurance inspection along Highway 1 in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2011. Sergeant Bregel is a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul's security force and is deployed from the Massachusetts National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Grovert Fuentes-Contreras)(Released)

ISAF Condemns Insurgent Attacks in Afghanistan

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011 – The International Security Assistance Force joined Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and the country’s Ministry of Interior in condemning today’s insurgent attacks in the Tarin Kot district of Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province that, according to initial reports, killed and wounded more than 50 people.

Initial reports indicate that multiple suicide bombers attacked several government buildings in Tarin Kot, the provincial capital. Reports indicate that up to 10 children were among those killed, along with women and police officers.

“Innocent Afghans lost their lives today because insurgents have a despicable, complete disregard for human life,” said Navy Rear Adm. Vic Beck, ISAF’s director of public affairs. “Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those who were killed and we will work with our Afghan partners to bring those responsible to justice.”

In Afghanistan news yesterday:

-- An Afghan-led force detained a Taliban leader and one of his associates during a security operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader was the Taliban military commander for the district and was responsible for coordinating shipments of bomb materials.

-- In the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition patrol seized a drug cache in a compound near Highway 1. The cache contained 396 pounds of hashish and 132 pounds of opium. An AK-47 rifle was also seized.

-- An Afghan-led force detained several suspects during a security operation in the Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province. The force was searching for a Taliban leader responsible for coordinating roadside bomb attacks against Afghan security forces.

-- An ISAF patrol seized a weapons cache in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province. The cache contained nine rocket-propelled grenade rounds, four RPG boosters and one mortar tail fin.

Combined Force Kills Insurgents in Wardak

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents, including a Taliban leader, and detained another suspected insurgent in the Sayed Abad district of Afghanistan’s Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.

Abdul Baqi commanded a Taliban cell that conducted roadside-bomb attacks and set up illegal roadblocks targeting Afghan forces along Highway 1. Reports indicated he was gathering intelligence for suspected attacks targeting Afghan government employees, officials said.

After tracking Baqi to the Sayed Abad district, the combined force searched two compounds. Two armed insurgents tried to flee while the force was securing the first compound. A pursuit ensued, and the force killed them, discovering later that Baqi was one of them. The force detained a suspected insurgent nearby.

In other operations yesterday:

-- In Baghlan province’s Doshi district, a combined force acting on intelligence information killed several armed insurgents during an operation targeting the Taliban’s senior military commander for Kunduz province and former commander for the Chahar Darah district.

-- A combined force in Helmand province’s Nahr Surkh district detained more than 10 insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban military commander for the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. The force found 70 pounds of heroin and detained the suspects after Afghan members of the force interviewed people in the area.

-- Also in Helmand province, a separate force detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban narcotics and weapons dealer.

-- In Helmand’s Nahr-e Saraj district, a coalition airstrike killed several insurgents who attacked a combined patrol.

-- A combined patrol in Kandahar’s Panjwai district found 1,200 pounds of marijuana.

-- In Kandahar’s Arghandab district, a combined patrol found two 82 mm recoilless rifles, two pressure plates with wires, 400 7.62 mm rounds and a large rocket, and detained two suspected insurgents.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district a combined force captured a Haqqani terrorist network attack facilitator and another suspected insurgent.

– A combined force acting on intelligence tips in Paktia province’s Zurmat district detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani network leader who manages fighters, executes tactical insurgent operations and plans attacks against Afghan forces.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district, an Afghan-led combined force detained several insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader involved in roadside-bomb attacks targeting Afghan forces. The force found and destroyed 15 pounds of wet opium.

In May 21 operations:

-- A combined force acting on intelligence information killed an insurgent and detained two others during an operation in Ghazni province’s Rashidan district. The insurgent, who was wearing a chest rack and was armed with an assault rifle and grenades, was killed as he opened fire on the force.

-- In Baghlan province’s Baghlan-e Jadid district, a combined force acting on intelligence information detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin terrorist organization leader who commands 20 insurgents for attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force acting on intelligence reports in Helmand province’s Marja district detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader who plans attacks on Afghan forces and reportedly has threatened civilians in the district with murder to intimidate them.

-- In Zabul province’s Qalat district, a combined force detained numerous suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban roadside-bomb cell leader. The force found bomb-making materials at the scene.

-- A combined force in Logar province’s Pul-e Alam district captured a Taliban facilitator and two of his. The Taliban facilitator also operated in Logar’s Baraki Barak district and Paktia province’s Gardez district, training other insurgents and participating in attacks against Afghan forces. Additionally, he coordinated equipment shipments from Pakistan to insurgents active in Logar, Paktia, and Khost provinces.

-- In Khost province’s Khost district, a combined force captured a Haqqani network roadside-bomb expert and another suspected.

-- A combined force in Khost’s Sabari district detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani network leader responsible for coordinating planting roadside bombs and acquiring weapons for insurgents. The force also confiscated a rocket-propelled grenade, multiple mines and grenades.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district, a combined force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents.

-- A combined force in Paktika province’s Giyan district detained two suspected insurgents after searching several buildings in Pir Koti Valley for Taliban activity.

-- Afghan and coalition forces found several weapons caches in Uruzgan province’s Chorah district. The caches included 58 grenades, 13 grenades fuses, four radios, nine radio handsets, propellant and several fuses.

-- In Kandahar province’s Zharay district, a combined force found and destroyed 11,023 pounds of hashish.

-- A three-day combined operation in Helmand province’s Nahr-e Saraj district led to discovery of 33 pressure plates, two assault rifles, 600 7.62 mm rounds, a rocket propelled-grenade launcher, four RPGs, a machine gun, several roadside bombs, two 105 mm rounds filled with homemade explosives and various bomb-making materials. Several suspected were detained.

In May 20 operations:

-- A combined force killed Taliban leader named Alawuddin in Baghlan province’s Talah wa Barfak district, Baghlan province. Alawuddin worked with groups of Taliban fighters to attack Afghan police and coalition forces in efforts to regain terrain the Taliban have lost. Armed with an assault rifle Alawuddin attacked an Afghan member of the security force and was killed as an Afghan soldier identified the hostile threat and engaged him.

-- In Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah district a combined force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in an intelligence-driven operation.

-- A combine force in Khost province’s Sabari district captured a Haqqani network leader who coordinated fighters for attacks and assisted them in preparing ambushes against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Also in Khost’s Sabari district, a combined force acting on intelligence information detained two suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani leader who has participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and is involved in coordinating planting of roadside bombs.

-- In Paktika province’s Orgun district, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Haqqani insurgents during a clearance operation in an area associated with Haqqani activity.

-- A combined force in Badghis province’s Murghab district captured a senior Taliban leader and several of his associates during a security operation yesterday. The insurgent leader is the Taliban’s appointed deputy governing official for operations in the district and also conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Troops Seeking Taliban Leader Kill Insurgent

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2011 – A combined Afghan and coalition force killed an insurgent in the Sayed Abad district of Afghanistan’s Wardak province yesterday while searching for a Taliban leader, military officials reported.

The wanted man commands a Taliban cell that conducts roadside-bomb attacks and roadblocks along the heavily travelled Highway 1, officials said.

Acting on intelligence reports, the combined force targeted a compound in the district. While moving into position, the force noticed two armed insurgents attempting to escape. The force pursued the insurgents, killing one and capturing the other.

In other operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Balkh province’s Chahar Bolak district captured a Taliban leader and three of his associates in an intelligence-driven operation. The force found a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with multiple warheads, some blasting caps, an assault rifle, grenades and a chest rack at the scene.

-- In Baghlan province’s Talah wa Barfak district, a combined force detained a suspected insurgent during an operation targeting a Taliban leader.

-- A combined force acting on intelligence information in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district captured a Taliban facilitator who coordinated suicide-bomb attacks and direct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and acquired weapons for other insurgents. Two of the facilitator’s associates also were detained.

-- In Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah district, a combined patrol found and confiscated 198 pounds of dry opium.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and several of his associates in an intelligence-driven operation in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district. The facilitator was involved in arming insurgents with heavy weapons in the area.

-- In Paktia province’s Zadran district, a combined force acting on intelligence information detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Haqqani terrorist network leader who commands 30 experienced fighters and leads them in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained five suspected insurgents during a clearance operation in Khost province’s Sperah district. The force cleared several buildings in two locations. They interviewed local civilians about insurgent activity in the area, and based on the information the residents provided, they detained the suspected insurgents.

-- In an intelligence-driven operation in Khost province’s Bak district, a combined force detained an insurgent while searching for a Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin facilitator who aids the movement of munitions for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The force found an assault rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade at the scene.

-- In Helmand province’s Now Zad district, coalition forces on a dismounted patrol killed an insurgent who engaged them with indirect fire.

-- A combined force in Kandahar province’s Maiwand district found 121 pounds of hashish, 88 pounds of opium, an assault rifle with three magazines, and three cell phones.

In May 14 operations:

-- Three insurgents were killed and three others were detained after they fired on a joint Afghan police and International Security Assistance Force patrol in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district. The combined force confiscated two machine guns, ammunition, an ammunition belt, two radios, four assault rifle magazines, a motorcycle battery, a tactical vest, two pistols with holsters, three cell phones and a pair of binoculars.

-- A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents in Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah district after the insurgents fired at coalition forces on the ground from a known enemy firing position.

-- A combined patrol found two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two 62 mm mortar rounds, a pressure-plate bomb, an anti-tank mine and two cell phones in Ghazni province’s Dehyak district.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district, a combined force acting on intelligence information captured a Haqqani network leader responsible for coordinating weapons and ammunition distribution to insurgents in the district. He also conducted roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The force wrapped up its search by safely destroying rifles and chest racks found during the operation.

-- A combined force detained two suspected insurgents in Wardak province’s Sayyidabad district.

-- In Logar province’s Charkh district, a combined force detained two suspected insurgents during a clearance operation.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent while capturing a Taliban leader and two of his associates in Balkh province’s Chimtal district. Numerous reports indicated the leader’s location, where forces saw several suspected insurgents attempting to avoid capture. The force pursued and caught three of them, and one continued to flee. Once the force located him, he responded by demonstrating hostile intent and was killed, officials said. The force safely destroyed a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher, rifles and chest racks found at the scene.

-- A combined patrol found four drug weapons caches in Kandahar province’s Panjwai district.

In May 13 operations:

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents and found and destroyed 176 pounds of opium during a counternarcotics operation in Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah district.

-- Afghan and coalition forces found and destroyed a ton of dry opium in Nimroz province’s Chahar Burjak district.

-- In Zabul province’s Qalat district, Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents during an operation to prevent a Taliban indirect-fire weapons team from carrying out an attack.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani network leader and several of his associates in Paktia province’s Dzadran district.

-- In Paktika province’s Bermal district, a coalition airstrike killed several insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades.

-- A coalition patrol in Ghazni province’s Zanakhan district found and destroyed a machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, rifle rounds, two mortar tubes, an assault rifle and bomb-making components.

In May 12 operations:

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a suspect after a vehicle interdiction operation in Helmand province’s Lashkar Gah district resulted in discovery of 661 pounds of wet opium.

-- A combined patrol captured a mid-level Taliban leader in Uruzgan province’s Shahid-e Hasas district.