A combined Afghan National Security Force and coalition force operation targeting a senior Taliban leader in Helmand province discovered a number of imprisoned Afghan citizens yesterday [2 September].
The target of the operation was a Taliban commander responsible for raising and distributing funds collected from opium production and extorting money from local Afghan citizens.
During the search for the target, seven shackled prisoners were found by the patrol. The prisoners were taken to an International Security Assistance Force base where they are currently undergoing medical screening and debriefing. Officials from the Ministry of Interior and ISAF forces are identifying the men and determining their status.
Before they entered the compound, the patrol made their presence known, requesting that anyone inside exit the compound. Immediately following, two insurgents attempted to engage the forces, and were killed.
After additional searching of the compound, the prisoners were found along with several improvised explosive devices, two AK-47s, four 105 mm mortar rounds and a large amount of home-made explosives.
The weapons were destroyed in place.
Article by ISAF Joint Command