Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani Network improvised explosive device facilitator during an operation in Khost province yesterday.
The facilitator, a top target for Afghan and coalition forces, was responsible for the movement of IED materials for insurgent groups to conduct their attacks in Sabari district. The security force detained the facilitator earlier this year, but he was released after four months in captivity and immediately resumed his nefarious activities.
“IED's continue to be a menace to Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and coalition forces,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “This operation eliminated a key IED facilitator in Khost province once again and should significantly degrade attacks in the area.”
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound south of Khan Kalay in Sabari district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the area. The security force identified and detained the facilitator along with several of his associates during initial questioning. Multiple automatic weapons were also discovered at the scene.
The women and children remained unharmed and protected throughout the search, which was conducted without shots fired.
Article by ISAF Joint Command