An Afghan National Security Force and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed one insurgent and detained numerous other suspected insurgents during an operation targeting an insurgent leader in Nahr-E Saraj district, Helmand province, yesterday.
The targeted Taliban leader is an improvised explosive device facilitator and an expert in the planning, coordination and construction of IED's. He is known to have participated in numerous IED attacks against ANSF and coalition forces.
Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led the patrol to a compound associated with the target. After surrounding the compound, the joint security force called-out to the compound’s inhabitants, allowing them to exit peacefully. Eight women and eight children responded to the call-out and were protected for the duration of the operation.
As the security force began to search the compound, an insurgent attempted to engage the force with a grenade and was killed. During the search of the compound, the security force found several men who were suspected to be insurgents.
Also found in the compound were IED components and explosive detonators which were safely destroyed by the joint force prior to departing.
After initial questioning, Afghan authorities detained the suspected insurgents and they were taken by Afghan authorities for further questioning.
Article by ISAF Joint Command