Afghan and coalition forces detained numerous suspects during two joint security operations targeting the Taliban network in Kandahar and Logar provinces yesterday.
In Kandahar province, Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspects during a joint security operation targeting Taliban improvised explosive device network in the province.
Forces targeted an IED facilitator responsible for coordinating, preparing and supplying attacks in the province’s Zharay district. Intelligence reports indicate he is connected to the suicide vehicle-borne IED attack in Sangsar Dec. 12. The facilitator is associated with Taliban leaders in the Zharay district including the Kandahar deputy shadow governor.
Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call the occupants out of the Zharay targeted buildings peacefully before conducting a search during which they discovered 20 pounds of black-tar heroin. The security team determined the individuals would be detained based on initial questioning at the scene.
In Logar province, Afghan and coalition forces searched for a suspected Taliban IED cache site resulting in one individual being detained.
The security force followed intelligence tips to a compound in Charkh district to search for the weapons cache. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the building. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the individual.
The joint security team conducted these 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