Afghan and coalition forces conducted two security operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan last night, detaining numerous suspected insurgents.
Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspects in Helmand province while targeting an individual who, according to intelligence reports, was the intended successor of two leaders detained in the area Oct. 18 and Nov. 15.
The joint security team conducted the operation in the Nawah-ye Barakzai District. He recently returned from Pakistan to fill the position and to resume and increase improvised explosive device attacks in the Nawa area.
Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call all occupants to exit the targeted buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspects based on initial questioning at the scene.
A separate security force in Ghazni province detained several suspected insurgents and confiscated improvised explosive device materials while targeting a Taliban leader.
The targeted individual directs a cell of fighters in planning and conducting attacks as well as facilitating and emplacing IEDs along public roads.
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound west of Zarghun Shahr in Ab Band District to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces conducted a callout before the joint security force cleared the compound finding multiple automatic weapons, grenades and IED materials, including blasting caps. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained the suspected insurgents.
The joint security teams conducted the operations in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were harmed during these operations, which were conducted without shots fired.
Article by ISAF Joint Command