ISAF REPORT ON AFGHANISTAN JULY 3, 2012

MAP CREDIT:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT. 
FROM:   AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Combined Forces Confirm Death of al-Qaida Leader
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Hanzallah, an al-Qaida leader who operated in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Hanzallah was killed July 1 during a security operation in the Watahpur district of Afghanistan's Kunar province, officials said.
Hanzallah acted as a military advisor to insurgents in Kunar, Nuristan and Laghman provinces and provided them with improvised explosive device training, officials said. Officials noted that Hanzallah was one of several al-Qaida terrorists killed during the security operation.

Also today, an airstrike called in by a combined force killed several insurgents in the Bermal district of Paktika province.
In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed two insurgents in Ghazni province's Giro district.

-- A combined force killed four insurgents in Ghazni province's Andar district.

-- Combined forces found and safely cleared IEDs in Ghazni province's Ab Band and Qarah Bagh districts.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent in Khost province's Gurbuz district.

-- Combined forces detained three insurgents in Khowst province's Khowst districtand found and safely cleared an IED in Khost's Sabari district.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent in Kunar province's Watahpur district, and another detained two insurgents in Kunar's Sar Kani district.

-- A combined force killed four insurgents in Logar province's Charkh district.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents in Paktika province's Sar Rowzah district.

-- Afghan national security forces and coalition forces killed three insurgents in Paktia province's Shwak district.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents in Paktia's Zurmat district.

-- A combined force found and safely cleared three IEDs, killed two insurgents and detained five others in Wardak province's Qarah Bagh district.

-- A combined force found and safely cleared two IEDs in Wardak's Sayyadabad district.

In a June 30 operation, a combined force killed numerous insurgents and seized 220 pounds of poppy seed, 11 pounds of wet opium, IED-making components, 700 7.62mm rounds and weapons in the Shiray Kajaki and Baghran districts of Helmand province.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN JUNE 28, 2012

Photo:  Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force.
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The detained Taliban leader, an improvised explosive device specialist, directed insurgents during attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

The security force also detained multiple suspected insurgents and seized several small-arms weapons and ammunition, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents, confiscated multiple AK-47 rifles, and seized more than 1,000 pounds of opium during a search for a Taliban leader in the Now Zad district of Helmand province. The sought-after insurgent leader directs attacks against Afghan forces and acts as a Taliban enforcer in the district.

-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force detained a Haqqani leader who'd planned and coordinated attacks and distributed weapons and IED-making components throughout the region.

In June 27 operations:

-- A coalition airstrike killed one insurgent in Ghazni province's Giro district in response to insurgents emplacing IEDs.

-- In separate operations, combined forces detained one insurgent in Khowst province's Terezayi district and detained another suspect in the province's Sperah district.

-- Afghan police and coalition forces killed one insurgent during a firefight in the Bak district of Khowst province.

-- Afghan police and coalition forces detained one insurgent during an engagement in Kunar province's Ghaziabad district.

-- A combined force killed one insurgent during a firefight in the Bermal district of Paktika province.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE JOINT COMMAND NEWS

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Combined Force Seizes Explosives, Weapons Caches
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2012 – An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force seized two caches containing chemicals, weapons and improvised explosive device-making components in the Ab Band district of Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.

The first cache contained more than 3,300 pounds of chemicals used in the production of homemade explosives, officials said.

The second cache, officials said, contained 120 IED electronic control devices, 30 anti-personnel mines, and five IEDs. All of the materials were destroyed.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Kajaki district of Helmand province. The wanted insurgent leader plans, directs and executes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force-requested airstrike killed the insurgent leader, Musa -- also known as Baitullah and Qalam -- in the Waygal district of Nuristan province. Musa was associated with both al-Qaida and Taliban forces operating in the Waygal district.

-- A combined force detained one suspect carrying IED-making material in Ghazni province’s Andar district.

-- A combined force detained one suspect in Khowst province’s Khowst district.
-- A combined force detained three suspects in Logar province’s Muhammad Aghah district.

-- A combined force killed four insurgents during a firefight in the Giyan district of Paktika province.

-- Coalition forces killed one insurgent during a firefight engagement in Paktika province’s Bermal district.

-- A combined force discovered a cache containing small-arms ammunition in the Gardez district of Paktika province.

-- A combined force detained one insurgent in Paktika province’s Gardez district.
-- A combined force killed two insurgents during a firefight in Wardak province’s Sayyidabad district.

ISAF JOINT COMMAND REPORT FROM AFGHANISTAN: JUNE 25, 2012

Photo:  F-15E Refueling Over Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force.

FROM:  AMERICAN 

FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

Combined Force Detains Taliban Explosives Expert

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban explosives expert in the Gardez district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.

The detained explosives expert led bomb-attack network, trained insurgents throughout the region, and was responsible for several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

The security force seized a pistol, a grenade launcher, rocket-propelled grenades, explosives and bomb components.

Also yesterday, an Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops detained several suspected insurgents and seized assault rifles, mortar equipment and ammunition during an operation to detain a Haqqani network leader in Khost province's Sabari district. The Haqqani leader has been directly involved in attacks against coalition forces in the area.

In June 23 Afghanistan operations:

-- An Afghan-led security force in Kandahar province's Maiwand district, supported by coalition troops, apprehended a Taliban leader responsible for bomb attacks against coalition forces in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. The security force detained an additional suspected insurgent in the operation.

-- In Zabul province's Tarnak wa Jaldak district, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader who participated in direct-fire and roadside-bomb attacks and distributed weapons and other aid to insurgents. The security force detained another suspect in the operation and seized explosives and bomb components.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 22, 2012

Map Credit:  U.S. State Department.

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Airstrike Kills Taliban Leader in Afghanistan

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, , June 22, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition airstrike killed Nabi Rahman, a Taliban leader and explosives expert, during an operation in the Watahpur district of Afghanistan's Kunar province today, military officials reported.


Rahman had coordinated the movement of insurgents in the region, provided explosive materials and training to insurgents, and planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.


After the strike, the security force conducted a follow-on assessment and confirmed Rahman had been killed, officials said. Officials said no civilians were harmed and no property was damaged.


In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force killed several insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province. The security force also detained numerous suspects and seized one AK-47 rifle with a grenade launcher, one pistol, some ammunition and more than a dozen grenades.


-- In the Tarnek wa Jaldak district of Zabul province, a combined force killed an insurgent weapons trafficker and one other insurgent. The security force also seized several AK-47 rifles and a grenade.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force detained a Taliban weapons facilitator in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The security force also detained several other suspects and seized a weapon.

-- A combined force detained several suspects and confiscated multiple AK-47 rifles during a search for a Taliban leader in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Helmand province.
-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force detained a Haqqani leader and several other suspects in the Musa Khel district of Khost province. The leader is linked to the planning of the June 20 suicide bombing in Khost province.


-- In the Sabari district of Khost province, a combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader. He is another Haqqani leader linked to the June 20 suicide attack in Khost.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader who specializes in IEDs and two other suspects in the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district of Ghazni province. The leader was involved in the construction, transportation and placement of IED's used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also provided information to senior Taliban leaders in the region.
And on June 21, a combined force discovered a cache containing 1,995 pounds of hashish in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The drugs were destroyed.

AFGHANISTAN: INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE PRESS RELEASE JUNE 18, 2012

Map Credit:  U.S. State Department

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader in Helmand

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 18, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province detained one of the senior Taliban leaders for the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.


The leader controlled several insurgent cells throughout southern Afghanistan and coordinated the construction and use of homemade explosives and bombs for attacks against coalition and Afghan forces.
The combined force also detained another suspected insurgent.


Also yesterday, an Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents and seized assault rifles and bomb components during an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Kandahar's Panjwai district. The leader is responsible for multiple attacks against coalition forces in the region, and supplies insurgents with weapons, explosives and ammunition.
In June 16 operations:


-- A combined security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Ghazni province's Ghazni district who was directly involved in multiple attacks against coalition and Afghan forces in the region.


-- In the Jani Khel district of Paktia province, a combined force detained several suspected insurgents and seized ammunition and assault rifles while searching for a Haqqani network leader responsible for supplying, coordinating and directing attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the Jani Khel and Tsamkani districts.

AFGHAN FORCES CONTAIN TALIBAN ATTACK

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Afghan Forces Contain Taliban Attack in Kabul
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2012 - Afghan security forces led a capable and quick response in containing a Taliban attack in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul today, military officials reported.

All of the attackers were killed, officials said. According to initial International Security Assistance Force reporting, a small group of insurgents attacked a private compound. The attack was unsuccessful in killing any ISAF personnel, but it resulted in Afghan civilian casualties, including children.

"This is another desperate attack by the Taliban, but again another noteworthy performance by Afghan security forces for taking the lead in putting down another desperate attack by insurgents," said German army Brig. Gen. Carsten Jacobson, ISAF spokesman. The insurgents' attack "resulted in the deaths of innocent Afghan civilians, with most of that being children from a nearby school," Jacobson added.
In operations around Afghanistan today:

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force killed an insurgent, detained several suspects and seized assault rifles, magazines with ammunition, and multiple grenades and rocket-propelled grenades during a mission to capture a Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader as well as multiple insurgents and confiscated bomb-making materials in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. The insurgent leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province. The leader plans and coordinates roadside bombings, suicide attacks and other operations against Afghan and coalition forces. He also attempts to impose Taliban law on Afghan civilians in the Musa Qalah, Now Zad and Baghran districts.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and another suspect in the Gelan district of Ghazni province. The insurgent leader conducted roadside-bomb attacks against Afghan civilians, Afghan security forces and coalition troops along Highway 1.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects and seized a manual for constructing improvised explosive devices during an operation to capture a Haqqani network facilitator in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province. The facilitator provides weapons, ammunition and equipment to insurgents for attacks against Afghan officials, Afghan troops, and coalition forces in Kabul City.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects and seized several weapons and a grenade during an operation to capture a Haqqani facilitator in the Sabari district of Khost province. The facilitator provides weapons, ammunition and IEDs to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
Yesterday, a combined force found and destroyed about 2,035 pounds of homemade explosive materials and multiple IED-making components in the Ab Band district of Ghazni province.

ISAF KILLED 13 INSURGENTS AND CAPTURED SIX SUSPECTS IN EASTERN AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 13 Insurgents, Detain 6 Others

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, April 19, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces killed 13 insurgents and captured six suspects during operations in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.

-- A coalition airstrike killed 10 armed insurgents posing an immediate threat to nearby ground troops in the Sherzad district of Nangarhar province.

-- Another coalition airstrike killed three insurgents after ground troops received small-arms fire in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district.

-- Afghan soldiers detained six suspected insurgents in Dand Patan.
 

AIRSTRIKE KILLS INSURGENTS IN AFGHAN OPERATIONS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Airstrike Kills Insurgents in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force called in an airstrike that killed several insurgents in the Nerkh district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.

Insurgents were observed setting up a heavy machine gun near a village while preparing to attack Afghan security forces, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- While searching for a Taliban leader, a combined force called in an airstrike that killed several insurgents in the Khakrez district of Kandahar province. The security force also detained a suspect and seized assault rifles and grenades.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader, detained two other insurgents and seized a pistol in the Zurmat district of Paktia province. The leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is suspected in supplying bombs for a suicide attack against an Afghan military commander.

In an April 16 operation, combined forces found and destroyed 12 anti-personnel mines, 90 mine detonators, 73 rocket-propelled grenades, 65 RPG fuses, 51 RPG fuel cells and about 9,500 7.62 mm rounds in the Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan province.

RESPONSE TO COORDINATED ATTACKS IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Afghan Forces Respond to Coordinated Attacks

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2012 - Afghan forces responded to a series of attacks in the Afghan capital of Kabul and in a few outlying provinces yesterday, military officials reported.

The Taliban called the attacks, which were concentrated in three clusters around the city, the start of their "spring offensive.

Consisting primarily of rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire, the attacks were largely ineffective, International Security Assistance Force officials said. Afghan crisis response units, along with Afghan police and army forces, deployed to repel the attacks.

The Afghan forces took light casualties while killing or capturing many of the suicide attackers in a matter of hours, officials said.

Afghanistan's national security directorate announced that two would-be suicide bombers were captured alive before they were able to reach their intended targets.

ISAF quick-reaction forces were prepared to respond, if required, but were not needed, officials said.

In operations today around Afghanistan:

-- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network facilitator in the Khost district of Afghanistan's Khost province. The facilitator coordinated the delivery of weapons, vehicles and equipment to insurgents in the region. The security force also detained two other insurgents and seized two assault rifles.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban facilitator, detained two additional insurgents and seized a 9 mm pistol, an assault rifle and a roadside-bomb pressure plate in the Jagori district of Ghazni province. The facilitator coordinated the movement of weapons, mortars and explosives.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed two insurgents, detained several otherss and seized an assault rifle during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Pashtun Kot district of Faryab province. The leader is the head Taliban commissioner in the province, responsible for several kidnappings, suicide attacks, roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent leader along with several other insurgents and seized rocket-propelled grenade rounds, blasting caps and a mortar tube with mortar rounds during a search for a Taliban leader in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. The insurgent leader killed in the operation had directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and provided insurgents with weapons, ammunition and equipment.

-- An Afghan-led force captured a Taliban leader and detained several suspects in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Baghlan province. The leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province. The leader oversees Taliban operations in the province's Marjah district, including roadside-bomb and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also attempts to impose Taliban law on Afghan civilians.

-- A combined airstrike killed several insurgents and destroyed a machine gun in the Nerkh district of Wardak province.

-- A combined force detained several suspects and seized an artillery round and a mortar round during a search for a Taliban leader in Ghazni's Khugyani district. The leader supervises roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also targets local Afghan officials and attempts to impose Taliban law on Afghan civilians.

-- An Afghan-led force detained several suspects and seized a military uniform, a grenade and 100 rounds of small-arms ammunition during a search for a Haqqani leader in Khost's Sabari district. The leader coordinates roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also supplies weapons and ammunition to insurgents.

In April 14 operations:

-- A combined force killed an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist group leader who directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, along with another insurgent, in the Rustaq district of Takhar province. The security force also seized weapons and grenades.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and two suspects in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj. The leader directed roadside-bomb and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Nahr-e Saraj and Sangin districts. He is also suspected in the assassination plot of an Afghan security forces commander.

-- A combined airstrike killed a Taliban leader and four other insurgents in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province. The leader planned and conducted roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained several other insurgents and seized two assault rifles.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani facilitator and detained two other insurgents in Khost's Bak district. The facilitator coordinated suicide attacks and roadside bombings against Afghan and coalition forces in the area. He also is suspected of transporting suicide bombers for attacks across the country.

-- In the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province, a combined force captured a Taliban leader, detained another insurgent and seized an assault rifle and a grenade. The leader supervised the construction and placement of roadside bombs used to attack Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitated the movement of Taliban fighters from Pakistan into Afghanistan.

-- A combined force detained two suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Zurmat district of Paktia province. The leader coordinates roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. He also attempts to impose Taliban law on Afghan civilians in the area.

In April 13 operations:

-- A combined force found and destroyed about 2,400 pounds of hashish in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

-- A combined patrol found and destroyed 2,500 5.56 mm rounds, 50 .50-caliber rounds, three mortar tubes and two mortar base plates in the Shinkai district of Zabul province.

-- A coalition force found and destroyed seven makeshift bombs in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

In other news, ISAF Commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen praised Afghan national security forces for a recent operation in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province.

Afghan commando-led operations resulted in more than 32 enemy fighters killed, along with numerous equipment and fighting positions destroyed. The operation was conducted to deny insurgent safe havens and prevent insurgents from massing against Afghan forces in the area, officials said.

"This was yet another example of the successful transition we have been seeing throughout the past year, as the [Afghan forces] are planning, leading and executing very productive combat operations against the insurgency," Allen said. "We expect to see more of these types of successful [Afghan-led] operations as we progress further into the spring and summer."

The commando operations led to follow-on missions by Afghan soldiers and police, officials said.