Afghan and coalition forces detained numerous suspected insurgents during four operations aimed at capturing Taliban and Haqqani leadership throughout Afghanistan Tuesday.
An Afghan and coalition security force targeting the Taliban district leader for Garm Ser, who also acts as an improvised explosive device cell leader, detained two suspected insurgents during an overnight operation in Helmand province. The targeted individual conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and facilitates IED components, ammunition, weapons and various supplies from Pakistan.
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound south of Soltan Saheb in Garm Ser district to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully, and then the security force cleared and secured the area. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained the suspected insurgents. The security force also discovered 30 pounds of opium at the scene.
Also in Helmand, a separate security force targeted a Taliban facilitator, who acquires funds, transfers supplies and handles logistical concerns for Taliban operating in the Gereshk area of Nahr-e Saraj district, detaining several suspected insurgents.
Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in Nahr-e Saraj district where Afghan forces conducted a call-out of all occupants before the joint security force cleared and secured the area. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained two suspected insurgents.
In neighboring Kandahar province, Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a compound west of Kandahar city to search for a Taliban suicide attack facilitator associated with a vehicle-borne IED attack against Combat Outpost Senjarray earlier this month, detaining two suspected insurgents.
An operation in Paktika province targeting a Haqqani Network leader who coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and leads a group of fighters, resulted in one suspected insurgent detained. The security force conducted the search at a compound outside Oshakay in Nikeh district.
The security force did not fire their weapons during these operations and the women and children remained protected and unharmed throughout the searches.
Article by ISAF Joint Command