The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the Taliban shadow governor for Sherzad district during a security operation in Nangarhar province Dec. 11.
Besides capturing the shadow governor the security force also detained two Taliban leaders who are associated with attack planning and improvised explosive device attacks against coalition forces and Afghan government officials in Chaparhar and Sherzad districts of Nangarhar.
The shadow governor was an active senior leader in Sherzad district commanding a large group of fighters. He also conducted remote-controlled IED and ambush-style attacks against Afghan and coalition forces operating in the western Nangarhar.
Intelligence reports led the security force to a compound in Sherzad district to search for the shadow governor. As the security force approached the targeted compound, they killed an armed insurgent after he shot at the security force.
After the area was secure, Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the targeted compound peacefully before the joint force cleared and secured the buildings. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained the Taliban leaders along with several of their associates. The security force also found IED material including blasting caps at the scene.
The assault force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.
Article by ISAF Joint Command