A joint Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force operation disrupted an apparent suicide attack cell in Kajaki District, Helmand province, yesterday.
The target of the operation was a Taliban leader and suicide attack facilitator who operates in Deh Rawud and Kajaki Districts. He is known to be involved in rocket attacks and suicide bomber attacks that have killed several Afghan security force members.
Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led the joint security force to the leaders suspected location. As the joint force surrounded the compound and Afghan security forces started to conduct a call out they were engaged by two armed individuals from outside the compound. The force returned fire, killing both individuals.
Afghan officials continued to conduct several call outs to the occupants of the compound, with no response. The security force then entered the compound and began to search it. They subsequently were confronted by two groups of armed individuals. Both groups attempted to engage the joint Afghan and ISAF patrol. The patrol returned fire, killing several additional individuals.
Throughout the search of the compound and engagement with the armed individuals, Afghan authorities separated and protected six men, 11 women and 25 children.
Several of the dead attackers were found to have shaved bodies and poems signifying they were preparing to engage in suicide attacks.
Also found during the search of the compound were numerous automatic weapons, pistols, homemade explosives, anti-personnel mines, IED components and 75 pounds (35 kilograms) of opium. All were safely destroy on site.
After initial questioning by Afghan police several men were detained and taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.
Article by ISAF Joint Command