ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 19, 2013

 

U.S. Army Spc. Stephen Zupp takes a defensive fighting position while training to maintain his tactical skills as a member of a quick reaction force on Jalalabad Airfield in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, June 7, 2013. Zupp, an infantryman, is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class John D. Brown

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force in Kandahar Arrests Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 19, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and another extremist in Kandahar City, the provincial capital of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, today, military officials reported.


The Taliban leader is responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces, facilitates the movement of weapons in Kandahar City and the province's Shah Wali Kot district, and manages weapons caches.

The security force also seized an assault rifle in the operation.


In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force in Kandahar City arrested a Taliban facilitator who procures improvised explosive devices, weapons and ammunition and distributes them for attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He also manages supply routes into Kandahar province. The security force also arrested six other extremists.

-- In Helmand province's Marjah district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who controls groups responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also finances local Taliban cells, coordinates ammunition storage and coordinates IED movement and placement. The security force also arrested five other extremists and seized a shotgun.

-- Also in Helmand's Marjah district, a combined force arrested five extremists during a search for Taliban leader who coordinates, directs and executes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also passes strategic guidance from senior Taliban leadership to low-level fighters and facilitates movement of IEDs and other equipment. The security force also seized an assault rifle, four magazines and ammunition.


In operations yesterday:
-- In Herat province's Shindand district, Afghan special forces soldiers killed two enemy fighters who attacked them during a patrol near a local police checkpoint.

-- Afghan special forces soldiers detained five enemy fighters in Kandahar's Maiwand district. The Afghan forces planned and executed the unilateral operation to deny the enemy a safe haven in Chesmeth village.



　

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 14, 2013

 

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Derek Turner, right, searches a compound during Operation Nightmare in Nowzad in Afghanistan's Helmand province, June 6, 2013. Turner, a squad leader, is assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kowshon Ye

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Makes Arrest During Search for Facilitator

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 14, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an enemy operative during a search for an al-Qaida facilitator in the Behsud district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator coordinates the delivery of weapons, military equipment and money to al-Qaida and operational cells for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He also relays messages for senior al-Qaida leaders.

Also today, a combined force in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district arrested an extremist during a search for a Taliban facilitator who acquires and distributes weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and other equipment for high-profile attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces in three provinces. He also coordinates training for new enemy fighters.

And yesterday, the highest-ranking Taliban leader in Kunduz province's Archi district was killed, along with his top military advisor.

Qari Halim, also known as Zubair, was responsible for command and control, finance and logistical efforts for extremists in the region. He oversaw a group of about 50 fighters who have engaged in ambushes and IED operations against Afghan and coalition forces.

Under his orders, his military advisor directed and executed attacks targeting Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces.

 

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 5, 2013



U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Banner leads his squad on a dismounted presence patrol near Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, June 2, 2013. Banner, a squad leader, is assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. The soldiers were on patrol to meet area farmers and project force posture. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann 　

  FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Enemy Fighters in Helmand Province

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 5, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed three extremists and arrested a Taliban facilitator and another extremist in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator procures weapons and equipment for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and helps to coordinate and execute those attacks. He also maintains several weapons caches.

During the operation, enemy fighters set up a fighting position against the security force. The force engaged them, killing three. The security force also seized an assault rifle and two magazines.

Also today, a combined force in Kandahar province's Zharay district arrested a Taliban facilitator who builds and places improvised explosive devices targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He also finances local Taliban cells. The security also arrested three enemy fighters in the operation.

In an operation yesterday, a combined force killed a senior Taliban leader and two other enemy fighters in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district.

The Taliban leader controlled a group responsible for ambushes and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitated the movement of weapons and equipment to local Taliban cells and was involved in the construction and placement of IEDs.

In other news from Afghanistan, more than 600 members of the Afghan national security force gathered in Laghman province June 3 to execute a clearing operation in the areas surrounding Nawrah and Hakimabad villages. Supported by the provincial police chief and coalition advisors, they uncovered and neutralized 12 IEDs.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 31, 2013

 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ray Perez-Rosa patrols through a field toward an observation point to counteract indirect fire near Combat Outpost Baraki Barak in Afghanistan’s Logar province, May 21, 2013. Perez-Rosa, an infantryman, is assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division's 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Julieanne Morse

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Balkh Province
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 31, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Chimtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province yesterday, military officials reported.

The facilitator handles movement of explosives and weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also collects illegal taxes from civilians to pay for weapons and controls a cell responsible for numerous attacks in the area.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Khakrez district killed an enemy fighter during a search for a senior Taliban leader who directs and executes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also teaches other insurgents how to make roadside bombs, distributes vests for suicide-bomb attacks, and coordinates the distribution of bombs, weapons and equipment for Taliban groups in the province.

-- In Logar province's Khoshi district, a combined force killed an enemy fighter during a search of a Haqqani network leader who coordinates and directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also controls several Haqqani groups in the area and has directed assassinations of local Afghans.

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Zurmat district wounded an enemy fighter during a search for a Haqqani network leader responsible for kidnappings for ransom and for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 24, 2013

 

U.S. Army Spcs. Andrew Landish and Tyrel Fishe prepare to launch a mortar in the Hesarak village of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013. Landish and Fishe are assigned to 101st Airborne Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment. They communicate by radio with ground forces to coordinate precision attacks on emery forces. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Vang Seng Thao

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 24, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and two other insurgents during an operation in the Dand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator is a vital member of improvised explosive device networks in Kandahar City. He procures and distributes IED-making materials, weapons and other military equipment for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other Afghanistan news today:

-- Combined forces confirmed yesterday's arrest of a Taliban facilitator in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province. The facilitator exercises command and control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also uses his residence as a storage facility for military equipment and coordinates the acquisition of weapons for use in insurgent activities.

-- Combined forces confirmed the death of two senior Haqqani leaders, Qari Azzam and Mukhlis, during a May 21 operation in the Zurmat district of Paktiya province. Azzam, also known as Maulawi Sahib, served as an intelligence operative responsible for providing information to senior Haqqani leadership about attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He was also involved in coordinating mine and IED emplacement in the local area, providing military equipment to insurgents and organizing kidnappings in order to extort money. Mukhlis, also known as Wazir, planned and participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also interfaced directly with senior Haqqani leadership to relay strategic guidance to insurgent fighters.

And yesterday, Provincial Response Company Logar, enabled by coalition forces, seized a large cache of explosives-making materials during a cordon-and-search mission in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province. The cache consisted of one IED, 374 pounds of ammonium nitrate and 110 pounds of phosphorous fertilizer. All seized materials were destroyed on location.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR APRIL 30, 2013

U.S. Army Pfc. Robert Tucker talks on his radio while providing rooftop security for the customs checkpoint at Torkham Gate in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, April 24, 2013. Tucker, an infantryman, is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Margaret Taylor.

 FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Logar Province
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 30, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and another insurgent in the Pul-e Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator is responsible for acquiring weapons and distributing them to insurgents throughout the district. He also is involved in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and conducts reconnaissance operations against coalition military forces.

In Ghazni province's Muqor district yesterday, an Afghan quick-reaction force killed three insurgents and wounded four others after responding to an attack on a local police checkpoint.

In other news from Afghanistan, Afghan and coalition security forces today confirmed the arrest of a high-profile attack facilitator for the Taj Mir Jawad insurgent network during an April 28 operation in Paktia province's Gardez district. The facilitator is responsible for providing weapons and funding for insurgent fighters. At the time of his arrest, he was gathering supplies and fighters for a future high-profile attack against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR APRIL 4, 2013



Afghan border policemen deploy a heavy machine gun while setting up a new checkpoint in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, March 25, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann

 
　
FROM: DPEARTMENT OF DEFENSED
Afghan, Coalition Troops Arrest Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 4, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Dand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator is believed to have arranged transportation of weapons and improvised explosive devices throughout the province for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He also allegedly has ordered executions and kidnappings of Afghan civilians working with government officials.

Also today, a combined force in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district detained several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader who is believed to direct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is an expert in the construction and use of IEDs and has directed acquisition and distribution of weapons to insurgents.

In Jowzjan province's Shibirghan district yesterday, a combined force killed an insurgent during a search for a Taliban facilitator responsible for providing financial aid throughout multiple provinces, collecting taxes for the Taliban, overseeing a network of Taliban tax collectors and coordinating financial matters with other Taliban leaders. He also is involved in providing weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

NEWS FROM AFGHANSTAN FOR MARCH 20, 2013

 

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Claudia Caberoherbas, right, provides perimeter security outside a village where troops search for a weapons cache in the Spin Boldak district in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, March 3, 2013. Caberoherbas is assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's Company B, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Striker Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann

 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 20, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the city of Kandahar in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator was responsible for procuring components for improvised explosive devices, building them, and distributing them to other insurgents or personally planting them for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Balkh province's Mazar-e Sharif district arrested a Taliban facilitator who is accused of procuring IED components, suicide vests and other weapons and distributing them to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. At the time of his arrest, he was believed to be actively planning an attack against high-ranking government officials in conjunction with celebrations marking the traditional Afghan new year, or Nowruz. The security force also arrested another insurgent.

-- In Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district, a combined force killed a man who was engaging in insurgent activity.

In other news, Afghan and coalition security forces today confirmed the death of a Taliban leader, Ruhulla, in Nangahar province's Khugyani district March 17. Ruhulla was a known IED expert responsible for numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MARCH 15, 2013

 

U.S. soldiers and Albanian special operations forces join with Afghan border police and soldiers in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, March 3, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 15, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained another insurgent in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.

The Taliban facilitator is accused of acquiring and distributing lethal aid to fighters in Kandahar and Uruzgan provinces, officials said. In the past, he has also provided grenades, ammunition, home-made explosive material and improvised explosive devices for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed an insurgent in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district.

-- A combined force detained a number of insurgents during an operation in search of a senior Haqqani leader in Khost province's Manduzai district. The sought-after Haqqani leader has been fighting against Afghan and coalition forces for nearly five years and has more than 200 insurgents under his command. He has directed them to attack Afghan and coalition forces in multiple provinces throughout Afghanistan, including Khost, Paktiya and Paktika. The Haqqani leader also has experience working in terrorist training camps and guiding and equipping extremist fighters in order to conduct operations against the Afghan people and government.

-- A combined force killed a number of insurgents during two security operations in Ghazni province's Andar district.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MARCH 4, 2013

Photo Credit:  U.S. Marine Corps.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 4, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent is believed responsible for organizing and conducting improvised explosive device and mortar attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In the Baraki Barak district of Logar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator and two other insurgents. The arrested Taliban facilitator is accused of procuring and distributing weapons for Taliban fighters in the district. He also is alleged to have directed IED and small-arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force arrested two insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Sherzad district of Nangarhar province. The arrested Taliban leader is believed to be responsible for directing and participating in attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the district. He also is accused of being involved with a network that has executed innocent Afghan citizens and actively seeks to recruit fighters to conduct attacks against coalition forces. He also is accused of extorting the residents of the district, using the money to fund illegal activities.

-- In the Kandahar district of Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator and one other insurgent. The Taliban facilitator is accused of coordinating the movement of supplies, weapons and IED-making materials for use against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is believed heavily involved in recruiting efforts ahead of the spring fighting season.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed three insurgents and wounded one other in the Ghaziabad district of Kunar province.

-- In the Khanabad district of Kunduz province, a combined force killed one insurgent.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MARCH 1, 2013

U.S. Army Sgt. Calixto Inot, front, provides security outside a meeting at the Farah provincial governor's compound in Farah City, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2013. Inot is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Matthew Stroup
 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 1, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained three other insurgents during an operation in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent is alleged to be heavily involved in improvised explosive device operations in the district. He also participated in multiple IED attacks and has a history of procuring and distributing IED components to other insurgents.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed Taliban leader, Sadiq, and wounded another insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Sadiq was an experienced insurgent leader responsible for procuring and distributing small arms and IEDs to Taliban fighters for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also was involved with kidnappings of government officials and Afghan National Security Force members.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent during an operation in the Kishindeh district of Balkh province

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2013

U.S. Afghan Soldiers Encounter Firefight in Panjwa'i District, Afghanistan. 

A U.S. soldier leads a foot patrol using a Minehound metal detector in search of potential improvised explosive devices along their path in Panjwa’i District, Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2013. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kimberly Hackbarth

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 6, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The detained facilitator is believed to have overseen the management of weapons caches for his network and ensured the facilitation of equipment, vehicles and weapons to insurgent fighters, officials said.

He also is accused of having acquired and transferred large amounts of improvised explosive devices and IED-making materials. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized nearly 700 pounds of illegal narcotics in the operation.

In Kandahar province's Maiwand district yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader believed to be responsible for coordinating insurgent operations, including the distribution of weapons and funds to insurgent fighters for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 24, 2013

Afghan soldiers return to base after conducting a security operation in Farah province, Afghanistan, Jan. 19, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Chadwick de Bree  

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Network Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator was responsible for purchasing and selling weapons to support the insurgency, and he coordinated the movement of bomb-making materials and ammunition.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized firearms in the operation.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Panjwai district arrested a Taliban facilitator who coordinated the movement of weapons and ammunition for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also provided financial and logistic support for improvised explosive devices and offered a safe haven for insurgents. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent and seized 100 pounds of illegal narcotics.

-- In Logar province's Pul-e Alam district, coalition forces found more than 33 tons of ammonium nitrate, a banned fertilizer insurgents use to make explosives, and nearly 20,000 feet of electrical wire.

-- A combined force in Kunar province's Ghaziabad district killed two insurgents during a search for an al-Qaida-associated Taliban leader who organizes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and enables insurgent movements.

-- In Nangarhar province's Khugyani district, a precision airstrike killed three heavily armed insurgents.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 15, 2013

Bala Boluk district elders from Farah province particpate in a shura at the Bala Boluk district center in Afghanistan's Farah province, Jan. 15, 2013. U.S. Navy photo.

 　
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMET OF DEFENSE
Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 15, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator enabled the distribution of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and suicide vests for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also planned and acquired materials for suicide vehicle bombings.

The security force also detained four suspected insurgents and seized bomb-making materials, weapons and ammunition.

Also today, a combined force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Wardak province's Nerkh district. The leader facilitates the movement of weapons and IED materials.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Logar province's Baraki Barak district killed three insurgents and arrested a Taliban IED expert who oversaw a group of insurgents and was planning an attack against local police. The security force also detained four suspected insurgents, destroyed an explosives cache and seized weapons, IED components and ammunition.

-- In Kandahar province's Maiwand district, a combined force detained three suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader who facilitates the movement of heavy weapons and IEDs for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A coalition force in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district found and destroyed about 1,100 pounds of hashish.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 8, 2013

Photo:  Destroying Captured Weapons.  Credit:  U.S. DOD

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

U.S., Afghan Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator today in the Pul-e Khumri district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.

The facilitator belonged to a group of insurgents who carry out bomb attacks in the province. He was personally responsible for assisting in the transfer of improvised explosive devices and conducting IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force killed two insurgents, including the Taliban leader Khanjar, in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district. Khanjar, also known as Izat and Abu Khaled, directed attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested a local Taliban leader who oversaw the transfer and delivery of weapons and ammunition.

-- An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested two insurgents during a search for a Haqqani network leader in Khost province's Sabari district. The Haqqani leader directs and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In an operation yesterday, a combined force killed Taliban leader Mohammad Sayed and another insurgent in Helmand province's Washer district. Sayed distributed weapons and ammunition to Taliban fighters and was trying to acquire rockets for attacks targeting Afghan government officials.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR DECEMBER 20, 2012

From:  U.S. Department Of Defense.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 20, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested 15 insurgents in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province during a search for a Taliban facilitator today, military officials reported.

Officials said the sought-after facilitator is responsible for manufacturing and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout Nangarhar province.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed the Taliban leader, Mahjur, along with one other insurgent in the Nari district of Kunar province. Mahjur was responsible for planning attacks against Afghanistan government officials and coalition forces. He also acquired and facilitated the movement of IED-making components, other weapons and ammunition used in attacks.

-- In the Alingar district of Laghman province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader. The sought-after Taliban leader is responsible for attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces.

Also, a Haqqani leader was arrested Dec. 17 in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani leader purchased weapons and ammunition for insurgents and was directly involved in planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR DECEMBER 11, 2012

Credit:  U.S. DOD 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFeNSE

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The detained facilitator oversaw the shipment and transfer of weapons and ammunition and procured and distributed improvised explosive devices to insurgents in the district.

In an operation yesterday, a combined force killed the Taliban leader, Allah Nur, detained three suspects and seized homemade explosives, other IED-making materials and several rocket-propelled grenades in the Baghlan-e-Jadid district of Baghlan province. Allah Nur had controlled more than a dozen insurgents and was responsible for IED attacks in the district. He also oversaw the transportation and distribution of insurgent weapons and ammunition.

And, during a Dec. 9 security operation in the Qarghahi district of Laghman province, a combined force killed the Taliban leader, Amin Jan, and three other insurgents. Amin Jan was directly involved in the Dec. 5 kidnapping of an American aid worker in Kabul.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR DECEMBER 7, 2012

Logar Province, Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Department Of Defense.

FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Mota Khan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province today, military officials reported.

The arrested Haqqani leader planned and conducted improvised explosive device attacks and was involved in organizing the Oct. 20 kidnapping of five Afghan soldiers, officials said.

The security force also detained three other suspected insurgents and seized IED-making materials and multiple firearms, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who oversaw a group of insurgents responsible for conducting IED attacks in the central Nad 'Ali district. The security force also detained two other suspects.

-- In the Kandahar district of Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader and one other suspect. The detained Taliban leader was responsible for transporting and distributing homemade explosives and IED-making components to insurgents.

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader and detained one other suspect in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Taliban leader operated in Logar province's Khoshi district and facilitated the acquisition and distribution of weapons in the Khoshi and Plu-e 'Alam districts. He also oversaw the training of suicide bombers and provided support to Taliban insurgents traveling through the province.

-- A combined force killed three insurgents, detained multiple suspects and seized numerous weapons, grenades and ammunition during a search for a Taliban facilitator in the Sherzad district of Nangarhar province.

-- A combined force arrested a Haqqani leader, detained one other suspect and seized numerous weapons in the Khost district of Khost province. The detained Haqqani leader was responsible for overseeing attacks and coordinating IED emplacement in Khost City. He also facilitated the movement of IED-making materials and weapons to insurgents.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Helping Hand In Afghanistan.   Photo Credit:  U.S. Marines.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Arrests 2 Haqqani Insurgents
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release


KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader and a Haqqani facilitator in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent leader acquired weapons for Haqqani fighters and directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province's Muhammad Aghah district, officials said. At the time of his arrest, the insurgent leader was overseeing the movement of improvised explosive devices and Haqqani fighters in preparation for an attack.

The detained facilitator had planned and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces within the Muhammad Aghah district while managing the transfer of weapons and IEDs to Haqqani fighters.

The security force also detained one other suspected insurgent and seized multiple firearms.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In Helmand province, a combined force arrested a Taliban financier. The detained insurgent financier managed money for the Taliban in several districts within the province and was directly responsible for distributing funds to Taliban fighters for their use in planning and executing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one other suspect.

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Kandahar province. The facilitator was responsible for distributing and coordinating the movement of weapons and ammunition for the Taliban in the area.

And in Jowzjan province yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator who planned and directed IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one other suspect and seized a number of IED components.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Army

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests District-level Taliban Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 29, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a district-level Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent leader had been in charge of coordinating the storage and transfer of Taliban weapons and ammunition, officials said, and also oversaw the construction of improvised explosive devices.

In other recent Afghanistan operations:
-- Coalition forces in Helmand province found and destroyed 538 pounds of heroin.

-- An Afghan security force, supported by coalition troops, killed several insurgents and detained two others in Laghman province Nov. 27.

-- A Taliban facilitator who oversaw the construction and emplacement of IEDs was arrested in Kandahar province Nov. 26.