NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MARCH 25, 2013

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Officials Confirm Deaths of Taliban Leaders in Helmand

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 25, 2013 - Afghan and coalition military officials today confirmed that two key Taliban leaders in Afghanistan's Helmand province were killed in recent operations.
Taliban leader Tamim was killed in a March 18 operation in the province's Nahr-e Saraj district, and Gul Ahmad Akhund was killed a day earlier in the Nad-e Ali district.

Tamim was responsible for planning and directing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, facilitating weapons to fighters throughout Helmand, and serving as a vital link in the local Taliban's intelligence apparatus, officials said. He also served as a member in illegitimate Taliban judicial proceedings and actively recruited civilians to join insurgent cells.

Akhund had operational control over a cell of insurgent fighters directly responsible for numerous attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He was instrumental in acquiring and distributing weapons and ammunition to his fighters.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MARCH 11, 2013

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel tours a classroom of Afghan soldiers with Afghan Brig. Gen. Aminullah Patyani, commander of the Kabul Military Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 10, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
　

 NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Helmand Province
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The leader is accused of coordinating ambushes against Afghan and coalition forces and is believed to have a history of directing attacks using improvised explosive devices, rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons.

The security force also seized a stockpile of IED components.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Arghandab district arrested a Taliban leader believed to be an IED specialist with a cell of fighters under his command. He also has a significant history of procuring IED components, building IEDs and distributing them to his subordinates for use against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another insurgent and seized 20 pounds of heroin.

-- In Logar province's Baraki Barak district, a combined force detained an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader alleged to be responsible for directing insurgent activity. He also is influential in the Taliban network there, ordering IED operations and other attacks.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Gardez district arrested a Haqqani network facilitator accused of procuring and distributing lethal aid to extremist fighters. He also is believed to have planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested another insurgent and seized ammunition, an assault rifle and a grenade.

-- In Kandahar province's Panjwai district, a combined force arrested nine insurgents during a search for a Taliban commander accused of building IEDs and coordinating their use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is believed to have operational control over a cell of Taliban fighters and maintained a sophisticated operations center used to plan insurgent activity.

-- A combined force killed three insurgents in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district after observing them conducting insurgent activity.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 30, 2013

 

U.S. Marine Corps Captain Mastin Robeson stands next to Route 611 to prepare for a convoy during Operation New Hope in Kajaki, Afghanistan, Jan. 18, 2013. Robeson, a team leader, is assigned to Security Force Assistance Advisor Team, Regimental Combat Team 7. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark Garcia

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

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 30, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested two Taliban leaders today in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.

One is believed to be directly responsible for orchestrating assassinations of Afghan national security force members, overseeing attacks on police checkpoints and directing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is accused of having organized the acquisition and transfer of heavy weapons and improvised explosive devices to Taliban fighters.

The other is believed to be directly responsible for the transport and financing of IED-making materials, planting IEDs and executing IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

The security force also detained four other suspected insurgents.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Kunduz province's Khanabad district arrested a Taliban leader accused of planning and executing IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and Afghan government officials. He also is believed to have provided financial and logistical support to Taliban and suicide-bomber operations throughout Kunduz province. The security force also detained two other suspected insurgents and seized several firearms.

-- In Nangarhar province's Khugyani district, a combined force killed two insurgents and detained nine others after being fired upon while searching for a man suspected of providing logistical support to Taliban leaders. The security force also seized several firearms and associated ammunition. No civilians were harmed during the operation, officials said.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 2, 2013

Photo:  IED Detinations.  Credit:  U.S. Navy Photographer's Mate Mandy McClaur

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader, Seizes IED Materials
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested Taliban leader provided weapons and ammunition to insurgent fighters in the central Arghandab and southwest Shah Wali Kot districts, officials said. He also planned and coordinated improvised explosive device attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces.

The security force also seized IED-making materials during the operation, officials said.

Also today, a combined force arrested a member of the Haqqani network in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The arrested Haqqani insurgent planned and executed attacks against Afghan government officials as well as Afghan and coalition forces. He was also responsible for the movement of weapons and provided funds to Haqqani fighters operating in the Pul-e 'Alam district.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Panjwa'i district of Kandahar province. The arrested Taliban leader directed IED operations in the Zharay and Panjwa'i districts. He also provided supplies, weapons and ammunition to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kandahar province.

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban leader in the Khanabad district of Kunduz province. The arrested Taliban leader organized insurgents and procured IEDs and other weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force arrested a local Haqqani leader, detained several other suspects, and seized multiple weapons. The Haqqani leader planned and executed direct-fire and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and oversaw IED emplacements in the district.

In Dec. 31, 2012, operations:

-- In the Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province, a combined force killed the Taliban leader, Nurullah Khan, and one other insurgent. Nurullah Khan, also known as Shaker, transported and distributed weapons for insurgents in Kunduz province. At the time of his death, Nurullah Khan was coordinating the movement of explosives for use in a future IED attack.

-- In the Arghandab district of Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a local Taliban leader and detained three other suspects. The arrested Taliban leader coordinated IED attacks and distributed IEDs and IED-making components to insurgents.

-- In the Khost district of Khost province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader and killed one other insurgent. The arrested Haqqani leader planned the Dec. 26, 2012, vehicle-borne IED suicide attack against Forward Operating Base Chapman.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2012



Drug Bust In Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. DOD.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
 Combined Force Detains Insurgent, Seizes Firearms

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained an insurgent during a search for a Haqqani network senior leader in Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.

The security force also seized firearms in the operation, officials said.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- An Afghan and coalition security force killed Taliban leader Mir Jan Lala in Helmand province. He was responsible for providing intelligence to Taliban senior leadership for planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban leader who leads an improvised explosive device attack cell in Kandahar province and detained some other suspected insurgents in the operation.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Helmand province detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban weapons distributer.

-- In Paktia province, security combined force arrested a Haqqani network leader suspected of being responsible for transferring weapons and IEDs. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized an assault-style rifle.

-- A combined force in Logar province arrested a Haqqani leader alleged to be responsible for facilitating weapons and directing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained two other suspected insurgents and seized a rifle.

In Nov. 11 operations:
-- An International Security Assistance Force patrol seized and destroyed nearly 1,320 pounds of homemade explosives and a banned fertilizer used to make explosives, along with IED initiators and components, during a joint air and ground patrol in Zabul province. The patrol destroyed all cache items at the location.

-- A combined force in Kunduz province arrested a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator suspected of having organized the purchase and storage of rifles, machine guns, ammunition, mortar systems and fertilizer used in making explosives. The security force also seized grenades and assault-style rifles with large quantities of ammunition.

-- In Ghazni province, security combined force arrested a Taliban leader suspected of having organized and directed attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force in Paktia province arrested a Haqqani network leader believed to have planned and organized the transfer and emplacement of IEDs. The security force also detained two other suspected insurgents and seized a stockpile of Afghan army uniforms, grenades, a rifle and associated gear.

-- In Logar province, a combined force arrested an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader suspected of supplying Taliban fighters with IEDs and mortars.

-- Afghan and coalition forces in Helmand province seized and destroyed 5,048 pounds of dry opium, 44 pounds of brown heroin and more than 145 gallons of a chemical used in heroin manufacturing.

In Nov. 10 operations:
-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two heavily armed insurgents engaged in threatening activity in Paktia province.

-- A combined force arrested three insurgents during a search for a Taliban IED facilitator in Kandahar province.

-- In Helmand province, a combined force killed Zafran, a Taliban direct-action cell leader believed to be responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A Taliban IED facilitator and suicide-bomber operations coordinator in Kunduz province was arrested along with another suspected insurgent.

-- In Kandahar province, a combined force arrested three insurgents during a search for a Taliban IED facilitator.

-- A combined force in Helmand province arrested a Taliban leader believed to be involved in the illegal movement of explosives and IED materials across the Afghan border. The security force also detained a several other suspected insurgents.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents during a search for a Taliban operative who is believed to coordinate the movement of IEDs throughout Kunduz province.

-- In Kandahar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader believed to be responsible for coordinating suicide-bomber operations and high-profile attacks targeting Afghan and coalition troops. The security force also seized 6 pounds of heroin.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent and seized 2 pounds of opium during a search of a Taliban IED construction and attack facilitator in Nangarhar province.

In Nov. 9 operations:
-- A combined force in Jowzjan province arrested a senior leader who directed Taliban fighters. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent and seized grenades, an assault-style rifle, a handgun and ammunition.

-- Afghan and coalition forces seized and destroyed nearly 2,400 pounds of opium and 33 pounds of heroin in Helmand province after observing and following a pickup truck traveling along a known drug-smuggling route.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed insurgents engaged in threatening activity in Kunar province.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012

 

An AV-8B Harrier II Plus with Marine Attack Squadron 211, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), awaits its next mission on the tarmac at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Sept. 18, 2012. The aircraft provides air support to the ground units throughout Helmand and Nimroz provinces. Despite a roller coaster week for the squadron, VMA-211 remains fully operational and continues to provide support to ground troops throughout Regional Command Southwest’s area of operations.
Date Photo Taken- 9-18-2012
Unit: Marine Attack Squadron 211
Photo ByLine- Cpl. Timothy Lenzo
Photo VRIN- 120918-M-PC317-325.jpg
Photo Size- 994 KB

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Coalition, Afghan Troops Arrest 2 Taliban Leaders
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 26, 2012 - A combined coalition and Afghan security force arrested two Taliban leaders -- an attack commander and an improvised explosive device expert -- during an operation in the Ghazni district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.

The attack commander is suspected of having directed IED attacks against coalition and Afghan security forces across the district, officials said, in addition to coordinating the construction of homemade bombs and providing training on their use and placement. He also is believed to be involved in suicide bomber training. The security force also detained three other suspected insurgents in the operation.

Also today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Ghazni province's Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district. He is believed to have coordinated with insurgent groups to conduct direct-fire and IED attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained four other suspected insurgents.

In operations around Afghanistan yesterday:

-- A precision airstrike killed Malang, a Taliban leader, in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province after a combined security force saw him engaged in insurgent activity and ensured that no civilians were in the area. Malang was directly involved in planning attacks using improvised explosive devices against Afghan and coalition forces, as well coordinating the movement of insurgent fighters throughout the region. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and no civilian property was damaged during the operation.

-- Provincial Response Company Wardak, mentored by coalition forces, reinforced another response company patrol that came under enemy fire in Wardak province's Maidan Shahr district. The combined force defeated the attack, killing seven insurgents. Responding to a request for a quick-reaction force, the combined element reached the unit in contact and was itself engaged by small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from insurgents before fighting off the attack. Coalition officials said the rapid and effective response from PRC Wardak demonstrates their increased capability and their dedication to supporting their fellow Afghans in arms.

-- A combined U.S. Army Special Forces and Afghan National Army force killed an insurgent after being attacked at a local bazaar and at a combined outpost in Wardak province's Bahadur village. After eight to 10 insurgents opened fire with small arms and rocket propelled grenades, the combined force returned fire, secured the bazaar and village, and killed the insurgent at his fighting position. No civilians or Afghan forces were injured or killed during the engagement.

In a Sept. 24 operation, a combined security force arrested a Haqqani network IED attack leader in Khost province's Khost district. Officials said he is suspected of coordinating and planning IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region and was directly involved in acquiring and distributing a large amount of explosives and weapons, as well as providing training on the use of homemade bombs. He also is believed to have been trying to infiltrate Afghan security forces. The security force also seized firearms and heavy weapons ammunition.

In other news, an orphaned Afghan boy escaped from insurgents who were trying to use him as a suicide bomber and fled to the Afghan National Police in Helmand province's Nawa district Sept. 22.

The boy told Afghan police that insurgents had given him money to influence him to wear a suicide vest and detonate it near coalition or Afghan security personnel. He refused, and now is receiving care and support from the police.

NEWS FROM AFGHAISTAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Airstrike Kills Insurgent Transporting WeaponsFrom an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan , Sept. 13, 2012 - A precision airstrike in the Mota Khan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday killed an armed insurgent transporting weapons, military officials reported.

An Afghan and coalition security force identified the insurgent transporting weapons, including a heavy machine gun, toward a populated area, officials said, and ordered the strike after ensuring no civilians were nearby.

A post-strike assessment determined no civilian property was damaged and no civilians were harmed, officials said.

In an operation today, a combined force in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader suspected of commanding dozens of insurgents and directing them in attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. The security force also seized and destroyed a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, several RPGs and ammunition for assault rifles and heavy machine guns.

Also today, coalition forces confirmed they killed Taliban insurgent leader Maulawi Matin in Helmand province's Marjah district in a Sept. 11 airstrike. He is believed to have led a large cell of fighters and was involved in the facilitation of weapons, ammunition and bomb components throughout Helmand. He also had links to other key insurgent leaders in the region, operating as a liaison with higher-level Taliban leadership based in Pakistan, officials said.

Officials also confirmed today that Afghan and coalition security forces in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar

In an operation yesterday, Afghan special police from the provincial response company in Wardak province found and destroyed munitions, bomb-making materials and other insurgent equipment during a search with coalition advisors in the province's Shahr district. The search yielded artillery rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, rockets, mortar rounds, fragmentation grenades, improvised explosive devices and a large amount of shrapnel for use in roadside bombs. The special police also found Afghan national security forces uniforms and cell phones.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Photo:  U.S. Navy Seals.  Credit:  U.S. Navy.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Forces Confirm Deaths of 2 Taliban LeadersFrom an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of two senior Taliban leaders, including the suspected mastermind of an August 2008 ambush that left numerous French soldiers dead and 21 wounded, military officials reported.

The Taliban leaders -- Mullah Hazrat and Shakir -- were killed in a precision airstrike Sept. 9, officials said, when Afghan and coalition forces positively identified a group of armed insurgents in the Alisheng district of Laghman province and engaged them.

Hazrat is believed to have planned and directed the Aug. 18, 2008, ambush, 40 miles east of Kabul, which resulted in a two-day running battle between coalition and Afghan security forces and more than 100 Taliban insurgents, officials said.

In the years since, Hazrat was promoted to serve as the Taliban leader for the Alisheng district, officials said. He is believed to have ordered several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in recent months, including the use of suicide bombers in Kabul. He also coordinated the movement of foreign insurgents from Pakistan into Afghanistan.

Shakir, also known as Attullah, was one of Hazrat's associates and is believed to be responsible for several ambushes and attacks throughout western Laghman province, officials said. At the time of his death, Shakir was suspected of attempting to recruit foreign insurgents to rebuild his attack cell.

In operations in Afghanistan today:

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects and found and destroyed a Taliban weapons cache in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province. The cache contained several rocket-propelled grenades and RPG components, grenades, heavy and small-arms ammunition, a firearm and bomb components.

-- A combined force killed an armed insurgent and detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province. The security force also seized and safely destroyed multiple assault rifles, several grenades and grenade components, and some illegal narcotics and homemade explosives.

-- A combined force detained two suspects during a search for an improvised explosive device facilitator in the Talah wa Barfak district of Baghlan province. The facilitator is believed to coordinate the movement of IED components throughout the district for insurgent attacks.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force discovered and cleared 31 IEDs in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province during a two-day operation. In total, the discovered IEDs consisted of more than 200 pounds of homemade explosives.

-- Coalition patrols seized more than 1,600 pounds of opium and detained two suspected narcotics smugglers in the Dishu and Nawah-ye Barakzai districts of Helmand province. In both incidents, the units investigated the area after observing suspicious activity through aerial surveillance. The seized opium was destroyed.

ISAF NEWS FOR AUGUST 27, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Several Key Taliban Leaders Killed, Captured

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

KABUL , Aug. 27, 2012 - The National Directorate of Security and coalition forces has confirmed that the mid-level Taliban leader, Haji Padcha, was one of several insurgents detained during an operation in Kandahar province's Spin Boldak district Aug. 23. Padcha was a weapons facilitator responsible for supplying insurgents with the rockets used in numerous attacks against Kandahar Airfield.

-- A combined force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Logar province's Pul-e 'Alam district yesterday. The detained individuals are suspected of being involved in an Aug. 25 attack against an Afghan and coalition installation in Logar province. During the operation, the security force also seized ammunition and military-related equipment.

In Aug. 25 operations:

-- Afghan and coalition officials confirmed that the Tehrik-i Taliban leader Maulawi Dadullah was one of several insurgents killed in a precision airstrike in Kunar province's Shigal wa Sheltan district Aug. 24.

Dadullah, also known as Jamal, was responsible for the movement of fighters and weapons, as well as attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, the officials said.

Dadullah's deputy, Shakir, was also killed in the airstrike.

After the strike, a combined force conducted a post-strike assessment and determined no civilians had been injured and no civilian property had been damaged.

-- Several armed insurgents were killed by a precision airstrike during an operation conducted by a combined force in Kunar province's Marawarah district Aug. 25.

A post-strike assessment determined no civilians had been injured and no property had been damaged.

-- The Zabul Provincial Response Company, supported by coalition troops, was attacked by insurgents Aug. 25 during a search operation in Zabul province's Shah Joy district. The Afghan-led security force engaged the attackers, killing three of them. After the engagement, the security force seized 176 pounds of homemade explosives, three motorcycles, ammunition and a number of weapons.

-- Afghan and coalition officials confirmed Aug. 25 that a Taliban weapons dealer was one of several insurgents detained during an operation in Helmand province's Now Zad district Aug. 22. The weapons dealer was responsible for acquiring weapons and ammunition for Taliban fighters in Marjah and Washer districts. He also directed and led attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Afghan and coalition officials confirmed Aug. 25 that a Haqqani facilitator was one of several insurgents detained during an operation in Khost district, Khost province, Aug. 19. The Haqqani facilitator planed and coordinated complex attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Sabari and Khost districts. At the time of his detention, the facilitator was coordinating the shipment of weapons to insurgents for future attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force arrested a senior Taliban financier in Kandahar province's Kandahar district Aug. 25. The financier oversaw the financial operations for Taliban insurgents and purchased weapons and ammunition for Taliban attacks in the area.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN AUGUST 2, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Detains Several Suspected InsurgentsCompiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader controls several mid-level fighters and is directly involved in planning insurgent attacks, officials said.

During the operation, officials said, the security force detained several suspected insurgents.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force arrested a senior Taliban explosives expert, detained two suspects and seized multiple explosive devices in the Pul-e Khurmi district of Baghlan province. The explosives expert constructed several improvised explosive devices used in attacks targeting Afghan officials and Afghan and coalition convoys. He also constructed multiple suicide vests he planned to use in attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A combined force detained five insurgents while investigating a weapons cache in Ghazni province's Andar district. The cache contained small arms, ammunition and a grenade.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Ghazni province's Khwaia Omari district.

-- In Khost province's Sabari district, a combined force detained an insurgent while investigating an IED. The IED was cleared and the suspect was transferred to a base for questioning.

-- A combined force killed six insurgents in Kunar province's Nari and Ghaziabad districts.

-- In Logar province, a combined force found and cleared three IEDs in the Pul-E Alam district and three IEDs in the Muhammad Aghah district.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Jalalabad district and another in the Chapahar district.

-- In Paktika province's Mota Khan district, a combined force found and cleared an IED.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent in Paktika province's Bermal district

NEWS FROM THE AFGHANISTAN FRONT

Photo:  Helicopter Flying Over Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Afghan-led, Coalition-supported Force Detains Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained a Taliban leader and several suspected insurgents in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The leader directed the placement of improvised explosive devices and coordinated the delivery of weapons and explosives to insurgents throughout the district, officials said.

The security force also confiscated several AK-47 rifles and other weapons.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader and two suspects in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The detained insurgent leader was responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and transported explosives and weapons to insurgents throughout the province.

-- A combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Khost district of Khost province. The Haqqani leader is suspected of planning the attack against Forward Operating Base Salerno on June 1. He is also an explosives expert suspected of building the vehicle-born IEDs that the insurgents detonated at the Salerno gate.

-- A combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The Haqqani leader supplies insurgent fighters with weapons and executes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- In the Waygal district of Nuristan province, a combined force called in an airstrike that killed several insurgents.

-- A combined force requested airstrike killed two Taliban leaders in the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district of Ghazni province. One deceased insurgent was the senior Taliban leader in the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani and Ghazni districts. He led an improvised explosive device cell and conducted attacks against coalition and Afghan forces throughout the region. The second deceased Taliban leader directed the placement of IED's against coalition and Afghan forces throughout the district.