An Afghan and coalition security force killed Bilal, a highly active Taliban facilitator responsible for improvised explosive device and indirect fire attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces in Logar province Monday.
The facilitator had direct ties to the Taliban network involved in the recent kidnapping and murders of two U.S. Navy sailors, Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley and Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, last month. It is currently unknown what role, if any, Bilal played in the kidnapping.
"We are happy to announce the results of this successful operation. This man was a known criminal who regularly facilitated rocket attacks against Afghan and coalition forces," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Bilal was also associated with a violent network directly responsible in the kidnapping and vicious killing of two American sailors."
As the security force approached the targeted compound west of Molla Alim in Charkh District, Bilal, who was armed with an AK-47, ran away from one of the buildings. He attempted to hide amongst two civilian farmers, but when the security force caught up with him, he engaged the assault force. They returned fire, killing him. The farmers were not injured.
After the area was secure, Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then cleared the buildings. After questioning all the residents on scene, the assault force detained one suspected insurgent.
The security force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.
Article by ISAF Joint Command