An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Paktiya province Monday, including a Haqqani sub-commander directly involved in improvised explosive device attacks. The commander also procured weapons and ammunition for fighters under his command.
The joint security force targeted a compound northwest of the village of Patkhah in Gardez District to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then cleared the compound. After questioning all the residents, the security force detained the commander and one additional suspected insurgent.
"Targeting and capturing IED experts is a priority for Afghan and coalition forces. We realize the danger IEDs pose on the peaceful Afghan people and we are making every effort to protect the populace from these weapons," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.
The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.
Article by ISAF Joint Command