Second Taliban Leader in Two Days
By Harold Hutchison

Mohammed Akhund, a Taliban leader in Helmand province, was killed in a precision strike during operations. ISAF confirmed the death yesterday, marking the second consecutive day a Taliban leader had been killed in the province.

Akhund had been responsible for carrying out attacks on ISAF and Afghan forces, and for helping in the production and use of improvised explosive devices. It was not the only operation against an insurgent leader. A Haqqani facilitator was captured in Kandahar province by ISAF and Afghan forces.

Explosives, IEDs, Destroyed
By Harold Hutchison

Afghan National Army Commandos found a weapons cache with over six thousand pounds of explosives during an operation in Maiwand District in Kandahar province.

The cache also contained 20 improvised explosive devices, as well as detonation cord, rifle scopes, and a grenade. "The destruction of the cache is a big step toward disrupting insurgent activity," said Esmatullah, the Chief of Police in Maiwand District.

Senior Taliban Leader Killed by ISAF
By Harold Hutchison

ISAF confirmed that Khan Mohammed, a senior Taliban leader in Helmand province, was killed during an operation. Mohammed, also known as Shams, was a key member of the Taliban’s network in Musa Qal’ah.

This follows a three-day period last week where ISAF confirmed the death of five Taliban leaders in a three-day span last week. ISAF also confirmed the capture of two Taliban leaders in Kandahar province.

Across Afghanistan, in other operations, three insurgents were captured, while four were killed.

Mortarman’s Valor Recognized
By Harold Hutchison

Sgt. William Stacey was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device for his heroism while serving in Afghanistan today.

On 26 November, 2011, insurgents attacked his section with medium machine gun fire. During that engagement, Sgt. Stacey moved over 200 meters on exposed terrain to mark his section’s position to prevent a friendly-fire incident. Then, on 13 December, 2011, Sgt. Stacey’s section came under attack from five locations. Sgt. Stacey and his squad held back numerous attacks in that engagement.

Support for French Operations Hits Impressive Total
By Harold Hutchison

On 12 February, the American airlift in support of French operations in Mali hit 2,000,000 pounds – and has done so in 23 days. French forces have been fighting Islamist rebels in northern Mali.

Distinguished Warfare Medal To Recognize Meritorious Service
By Harold Hutchison

The Department of Defense has unveiled a new medal to recognize those who support combat operations in war zones – even when they are on a separate continent.

Video by DVIDS Hub

Shadi Mama and Mojib Killed by ISAF
By Harold Hutchison

ISAF confirmed that it has killed two more Taliban leaders, upping their total to five in the last three days. Shadi Mama was killed in a precision strike in Helmand, while ISAF forces in Nangarhar province eliminated Mojib.

ISAF Bags Third Taliban Leader in Two Days
By Harold Hutchison

ISAF confirmed the death of a third Taliban leader in two days. Tor Jan, also known as Graan, was killed during an operation in Kandahar province.

Tor Jan was also a Taliban facilitator, who organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces using IEDs, personnel and weapons. His death came in what an ISAF release termed a “precision strike.”