An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul province Wednesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who leads one of the primary improvised explosive device attack cells in Mizan district.
The commander is also involved in intimidation campaigns against Afghan civilians who allow their children to attend school.
The assault force targeted a compound in the village of Kulah Khesht in Mizan district to search for the commander, whose IED attacks have been the cause of several coalition force injuries.
Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents, the security force detained the suspected insurgents without incident.
“This commander is responsible for horrendous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces alike. This individual is a violent menace to the Afghan people,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.
The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.
Article by ISAF Joint Command