Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban leader during a joint security operation in Nimroz province yesterday.
Forces conducted the operation in search of the now-detained man who leads a Taliban cell in the Khash Rod district.
The captured leader recently coordinated the acquisition of mines and rockets for use against coalition forces. He authorized the employment of the weapons once they were acquired.
He also has knowledge and involvement in the movement of suicide bombers into the area. The suicide bombers, according to intelligence reports, are intended to be a Taliban tool used to inhibit coalition forces’ freedom of movement.
Forces followed leads to a series of buildings where the joint forces questioned the occupants at the location and conducted a search. The security team discovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a chest rack and multiple magazines at the site. The suspect was detained based on initial questioning.
The joint security team conducted the operation in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. This operation is one of many in which Afghan and coalition forces continue to apply pressure and deny sanctuary to terrorists.
The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.
Article by ISAF Joint Command