Afghan and coalition forces continued to disrupt terrorist activities and put pressure on Taliban and Haqqani networks during two security operations in Kandahar and Khost provinces yesterday.
Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspects as they targeted a Taliban leader during a security operation in Kandahar province.
The joint security team detained the suspects as they searched several buildings for a terrorist leader who operates out of Kandahar City.
Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individual was involved with planning an unspecified large attack in his area of operation. He is known to coordinate Taliban efforts with other leaders in the Kandahar area.
Forces followed leads to a targeted location in Kandahar district, where Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call the occupants out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The security team detained the individuals based on initial questioning at the scene.
In a separate operation, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Haqqani leader operating in Terayzai district of Khost province.
The targeted individual facilitates the movement and emplacement of improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
Afghan and coalition forces have made it a top priority to neutralize the Haqqani threat in eastern Afghanistan, conducting almost daily operations against their leadership. Afghan and coalition forces have captured 30 Haqqani Network leaders since Nov. 1.
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in Terayzai district to search for the leader.
Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the targeted compound peacefully before the joint force cleared and secured the buildings. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining two suspected insurgents. The security force also found multiple weapons, including AK-47's, at the scene.
The joint security team conducted the operations in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were injured or detained during these operations.
The security forces conducted the operations without firing their weapons.
Article by ISAF Joint Command