NEWS FROM AFGHANISTANT

Photo:  Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Army.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Network Facilitator
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator in the Pul-e Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

The facilitator acquired and delivered weapons to Haqqani fighters in the province and was directly involved in attacks against local police and Afghan government officials.

During the operation, the security force seized weapons, ammunition and $5,800 in Afghan currency.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined security force in Helmand province's Lashkar Gah district arrested a Taliban leader who controlled improvised explosive device operations. Insurgents under his control recently began using magnetic IEDs to target Afghan army vehicles. He also was responsible for directing insurgent attacks against coalition forces.

-- In Kandahar province's Spin Boldak district, a combined force arrested a local Taliban leader who was directly responsible for IED attacks. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Dzadran district detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Haqqani network facilitator who provides weapons and IEDs to insurgents.

-- A combined force killed a Taliban leader and his subordinate in Kunduz province's Khanabad district. The pair worked together to coordinate and execute IED attacks. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized firearms with associated gear and ammunition.

-- In Logar province's Pul-e Alam district, a combined force arrested a Haqqani network leader responsible for coordinating attacks targeting Afghan and coalition force, and overseeing the procurement and distribution of weapons to insurgents. He recently coordinated the acquisition of suicide vest materials in preparation for a future attack. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent.

In Jan. 20 operations:

-- A precision airstrike in Kunduz province's Khanabad district killed a Taliban attack facilitator involved in planning and executing IED attacks and facilitating the movement of weapons and explosives. The strike also killed a second insurgent.

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Zurmat district arrested a Taliban leader who acted as a liaison with senior Haqqani network leaders and oversaw the purchase and storage of rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons and ammunition. He also facilitated the movement of suicide bombers in the Afghan capital and was planning an attack at the time of his arrest. The security force also detained several suspected insurgents and seized grenades, weapons and ammunition.

-- In Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who planned and directed suicide attacks and coordinated the movement of materials used to build suicide vests. He also provided direct financial support to the Taliban.

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Sayyid Karam district arrested a senior Haqqani network leader who oversaw IED construction, storage, transportation and emplacement. He also oversaw the acquisition of weapons and ammunition. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized firearms.

-- In Kandahar province's Maiwand district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader who planned and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and facilitated the movement of IEDs, rockets, mortars and other weapons. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents.

-- A combined force in Logar province's Pul-e Alam district arrested a local Taliban leader who worked closely with senior Taliban leaders to coordinate insurgent attacks across several provinces. He also organized the transfer and delivery of weapons and ammunition to insurgents and was coordinating the movement of suicide bombers for a future attack.

In Jan. 19 operations:

-- Afghan and coalition forces in Kunar province's Ghaziabad district killed two insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader who organizes attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and enabled the movement of insurgents.

-- In Nangarhar province's Sherzad district, a combined force killed a local Taliban leader and arrested another. Both were involved in IED operations. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized weapons and ammunition.

-- A combined force in Khost province's Terayzai district arrested a Haqqani network leader who directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also oversaw the construction and delivery of IEDs to insurgents and helped acquire IED components, ammunition and detonation materials. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent.

In Jan. 18 operations:

-- In Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district, a combined force arrested a local Taliban leader who planned IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent.

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Arghandab district arrested a local Taliban leader who coordinated and executed IED attacks and oversaw the distribution of IEDs, weapons and ammunition to insurgents. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN NOVEMBER 20, 2012

Photo:  Afgahistan Field.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Kills Armed Insurgents in Balkh Province
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 20, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed two armed insurgents during an operation to arrest a senior Taliban leader in the Balkh district of Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.

As the security force approached the Taliban leader's suspected location, the armed insurgents maneuvered toward them and were killed when they displayed hostile intent.

No civilians were harmed during the operation. The security force also detained a suspected insurgent and seized firearms and grenades.

In other operations today:

-- An Afghan and coalition force in Kandahar province's Khakrez district arrested a Taliban informant who is suspected of acquiring and providing information regarding Afghan and coalition security operations to Taliban leaders operating throughout the region. He also is believed to provide guidance to insurgents for roadside bomb attacks. The security force also detained an alleged insurgent and seized explosive materials.

-- In Khost province's Bak district, an Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops detained suspected insurgents and seized firearms during an operation to arrest a Haqqani network leader who is believed to coordinate attacks throughout the region, specializing in the use of roadside bombs.

In other news, Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Qari Yahya, an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader, during a Sept. 18 operation in Kunduz province's Qal-al-ye Zal district.

As the security force approached Qari Yahya's location, he and another IMU leader maneuvered from the compound and displayed hostile intent. Qari Yahya was killed, and the other IMU leader was arrested without injury. No civilians were harmed during the operation.

Qari Yahya was directly responsible for facilitating and conducting roadside bomb attacks and maintained communication and logistics ties with senior IMU and Taliban leaders.

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.

ISAF NEWS FOR AUGUST 24, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Forces Detain Insurgents, Seize Weapons

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 24, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents and seized multiple weapons and ammunition today during an operation to arrest an al-Qaeda associated Taliban leader in the Andar district of Afganistan's Ghazni province, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader acquires weapons and directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region, officials said.

Two armed insurgents attacked the security force during the operation. The security force engaged and killed both attackers. No civilians were injured in the exchange.
In other news today:

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents today during an operation in Logar province's Baraki Barak district to arrest a Haqqani leader who directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Baraki Barak and Pul-e 'Alam districts.

-- A combined force in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district detained several suspected insurgents today in an operation to find a Taliban leader who, officials said, plans and directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

AFHANISTAN NEWS: FROM ISAF AUGUST 16, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader, Detains Insurgents

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 16, 2012 - In the Muqer district of Ghazni province today, a combined force searched for, engaged and killed Taliban leader Jihadmal, military officials reported.
Jihadmal had planned, coordinated and led multiple attacks in the region against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.


The combined force also detained two suspected insurgents during the operation, officials said.
In other news today:


-- A combined force arrested two suspects during a search for a Taliban weapons distributer in the Washer district of Helmand province.


-- Afghan and coalition officials confirmed Taliban leader Ahmad Shah was killed Aug. 14 by a precision airstrike in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. Shah provided heavy weapons and bomb-making materials to insurgents operating in the region. He also coordinated and directed insurgent attacks, frequently using improvised explosive devices to attack security forces.
In operations yesterday:


-- A combined force airstrike killed multiple insurgents in the Nizam-e Shahid district of Herat province. The deceased insurgents belonged to an insurgent cell controlled by Abdulla Akbari, and were planning a large-scale attack against Afghan government officials and Afghan security forces in Herat. Akbari is responsible for directing IED attacks throughout the province and rocket attacks against Herat Airfield.


-- A combined force airstrike killed multiple insurgents, including Mullah Anwar, a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader, while the security force also detained two suspects and seized weapons and explosives in the Ishkamish district of Takhar province. Anwar was the senior IMU military leader in the Burkah district of Baghlan province, and was involved in the Aug. 13 assassination of the Ishkamish district mayor.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGANISTAN AUGUST 10, 2012

011226-N-2383B-506 KANDAHAR (December 26, 2001) -- A U.S. Marine continues to stand watch as the sun sets at a forward operating base in Kandahar, Afghanistan. U.S. Marines are deployed to the U.S. Central Command region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera (Released)
　
FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Combined Force Detains Numerous Suspected Insurgents

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Haqqani leader in the Shwak district of Afghanistan's Paktiya province today, military officials reported.

The Haqqani leader is responsible for facilitating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the district, officials said.

Also today, a combined force detained one suspect during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Chimtal district of Balkh province. The sought-after Taliban leader directs attacks against Afghan security forces throughout the region. He is also responsible for conducting attacks against reconstruction projects in the province.

In Aug. 9 operations:
-- A combined force found and cleared an improvised explosive device in Ghanzi province's Ghazni district.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent in Kapisa province's Tagab district.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents in Khowst province's Gurbuz district.

-- A combined force killed one insurgent and detained two others in Laghman province's Mehtar Lam district.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent who was emplacing an IED in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district.

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

-- In Paktika province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Sar Rowzah district.

-- In Paktiya province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Zurmat district.

-- In Parwan province, a combined force discovered a weapons cache containing 18 rockets in the Bagram district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN AUGUST 6, 2012

120327-M-VH365-057 MANAS AIR FORCE BASE, Kyrgyzstan (March 27, 2012) U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, are seated in a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globe Master III military transport aircraft at Manas Air Force Base, Manas, Kyrgyzstan. Marines and Sailors were in transition to Afghanistan to begin a 7-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sean M. Searfus/Released)

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Airstrike Kills Several Insurgents in AfghanistanCompiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 - A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.

During the operation, an armed group of insurgents attempted to attack the Afghan and coalition troops, officials said. The security force positively identified the armed insurgents and engaged them with a precision airstrike.

While conducting a post-strike assessment, the security force confirmed the strike had killed several of the insurgent attackers, officials said. The security force also confirmed the strike had not injured any civilians or damaged any civilian property. The security force detained one suspected insurgent.

Also today in the Terayzai district of Khost province, an Afghan-led, coalition-supported force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader. The sought-after Haqqani leader has conducted several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in recent months. He also is responsible for acquiring weapons for insurgents in the province.

In operations yesterday:

-- Haqqani network leader Hakimi was killed by a coalition airstrike in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province. Hakimi had served directly under the Haqqani leader for the Muhammad Aghah district and was directly involved in the transport of explosives and weapons to insurgents throughout the region. The airstrike did not injure any civilians or damage civilian property.

-- A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Tsamkani district of Paktia province. The airstrike did not injure any civilians or damage any civilian property.

-- In Ghanzi province, a combined force found and cleared an improvised explosive device in the Gelan district and cleared another IED in the Ghazni district.

-- A combined force detained five insurgents who were emplacing an IED in Khost province's Sabari district.

-- A combined force detained five insurgents in Khost province's Gurbuz district.

-- A combined force discovered an ammunition cache in Khost province's Sabari district.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined force detained two insurgents who were emplacing an IED in the Bati Kot district.

-- A combined force killed two insurgents and wounded two others in the Jani Khel district of Paktika province.

-- In Wardak province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Sayyidabad district and another in the Maidan Shahr district.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent who was found with IED-making materials in Wardak province's Maidan Shahr district.

-- In the Baraki Barak district of Logar province, a combined force killed an insurgent, detained several suspects and seized multiple weapons during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader.

In other news, Mufti Assad, also known as Mufti Punjabi, Abdul Qudus and Sufyan, the al-Qaida network leader for Kunar province, was killed Aug. 3 in an airstrike in the Watahpur district of Kunar province. Assad led dozens of al-Qaida affiliated fighters throughout eastern Afghanistan and provided IED training to insurgents. Yusuf, Assad's al-Qaida network deputy, also was killed in the airstrike. Yusuf, also known as Omar and Rayhman, was an IED expert who directed insurgent attacks across eastern Afghanistan.

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 AFGHANISTAN AUGUST 1, 2012

Photo:  Patroling Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Army.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Detains 2 Taliban InsurgentsCompiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents and seized explosives during an operation in the Pul-e Khurmi district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.

During the operation, officials said, the Afghan and coalition troops found improvised explosive device-making components and ammunition while searching a compound for a suspected Taliban leader.

In other operations today:

-- A combined force detained two suspects during an operation to arrest a Haqqani network leader in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The Haqqani leader purchases weapons and coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the district.

-- A combined force killed several insurgents and detained multiple suspects during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

In July 31 operations:

-- A combined force arrested a senior Taliban leader in the Tarnak wa Jaldak district of Zabul province. The Taliban leader organized an IED network responsible for multiple attacks in the region. He was also responsible for directing suicide bombings and for planning and executing attacks against Afghan security forces and civilians.

-- In the Chimtal district of Balkh province, coalition-supported Afghan commandos detained several suspects during an operation to arrest a senior Taliban leader. The sought-after insurgent is responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Shorabak district of Kandahar province, a combined force seized and destroyed 2,381 pounds of hashish and detained two suspected narcotics traffickers.

-- In the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province, a combined force-directed airstrike killed several armed insurgents during a search for a Haqqani leader. The airstrike did not injure any civilians or damage any civilian property.

-- A combined force discovered IED-making materials in Ghazni province's Andar district.

-- A coalition airstrike killed two insurgents who were emplacing IEDs in Ghazni province's Andar district.

-- In Khost province, a combined force found and cleared two IEDs in the Sabari district, one IED in the Terezayi district and another in the Khost district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Laghman province's Mehtar Lam district.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent while investigating a weapons cache in Laghman province's Dowlat Shah district. The cache contained mines and mortar rounds.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents who possessed IED-making materials in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district.

-- In Paktia province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Dzadran district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN, JULY 30, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Kills 1 Insurgent, Detains 2Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and detained two drug dealers during a counter-narcotics operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

During the operation, an armed insurgent threatened the security force, officials said. The Afghan and coalition troops positively identified the attacker then engaged and killed him.

The security force detained two suspected drug dealers and seized multiple weapons, several kilograms of heroin and $5,285 worth of Pakistani rupees.

In July 29 operations:

-- A combined force discovered and destroyed 1,500 pounds of explosives in an abandoned compound in the Andar district of Ghazni province.

-- A combined force killed two insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force arrested multiple suspects in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force detained several suspected Haqqani insurgents and seized weapons in the Sabari district of Khost province.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspected Haqqani insurgents during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The sought-after Haqqani leader coordinates improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province, a combined force detained two suspects and seized weapons and explosives. The suspects are believed to be associated with a Taliban weapons supplier who provides firearms and explosives to insurgents in the area.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects during a search for a Haqqani bomb maker in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province. The bomb maker constructs IEDs used by insurgents to attack Afghan and coalition forces.

In July 28 operations:

-- A combined force killed Taliban financier Maulawi Abdul Rahman in the Chimtal district of Balkh province. Rahman had coordinated the transfer of money, weapons and explosives to other insurgents to facilitate attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Afghan and coalition officials confirmed that Taliban insurgent Umar was killed July 27 during an operation in the Surkh Rod district of Nangarhar province. Umar had trained insurgents on how to use IEDs and oversaw the emplacement of IEDs throughout the district.

-- In the Archi district of Kunduz province, a combined force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan explosives expert. The detained insurgent had managed the construction and placement of explosive devices and directed IED attacks in northern Kunduz province.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects during a search for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan explosives expert in the Archi district of Kunduz province. The explosives expert directs IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and manages the construction and placement of explosive devices throughout the province.

-- In the Kajaki district of Helmand province, a combined force detained two suspects and seized firearms during an operation to arrest a senior Taliban leader. The leader controls dozens of insurgents and plans and directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect during a search for a Taliban leader in the Surkh Rod district of Nangarhar province. The Taliban leader directs the placement of IEDs in and around the Chaparhar district.

-- In the Jani Khel district of Paktiya province, a combined force-launched airstrike killed several insurgents during an operation to detain a Haqqani leader. The airstrike did not injure any civilians or damage civilian property.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN JULY 25, 201`2

An F-15E Strike Eagle refuels over the mountains of Afghanistan April 12, 2006. The Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. (U.S. Air Force photo)

FROM: AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Combined Force Detains Multiple Suspects, Seizes Explosives

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader is a specialist in the use of improvised explosive devices and directs IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout northern Helmand province, officials said.

The security force also seized more than 40 pounds of explosives and other IED-making materials, officials said.

In July 24 operations:

-- In the Waygal district of Nuristan province, a combined force killed Khanjar -- also known as Turab -- an insurgent associated with al-Qaida. Khanjar also had ties with the Taliban insurgency. He provided safe haven to al-Qaida members operating throughout Nuristan province and coordinated Taliban activities in the region. He also oversaw the training of Taliban insurgents in the province.

-- A combined force found and cleared two IEDs in Ghazni province -- one in the Dehyak district and another in the Qarah Bagh district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Kapisa province's Tagab district.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents in Khost province's Khost district.

-- In Kunar province's Bar Kunar district, a coalition airstrike killed an insurgent.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Nangarhar province's Achin district.

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

-- A combined force detained seven suspects in Paktia province's Zurmat district.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN JULY 10, 2012

Photo:  Security Forces On Watch In Afghanistan.  From:  U.S. Air Force. 
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for the leader of a Taliban attack cell in the Chimtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.

During the operation, a group of insurgents attacked the combined force, officials said. The force returned fire, killing all of the attackers. As the force continued its mission, another armed individual approached and threatened the force, officials said. The armed insurgent was killed by the security force.
Officials said the operation also resulted in the detention of a suspected insurgent and the seizure of multiple weapons.

In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force in the Imam Sahib district of Kunduz province detained a Taliban military chief who specialized in planning and carrying out improvised explosive device and suicide attacks.
-- A coalition airstrike killed an insurgent in Ghazni province's Muqer district.
-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Ghazni's Giro district.
-- Combined forces killed three insurgents in a firefight, killed four other insurgents during an airstrike, and detained a suspect during separate operations in Ghazni's Ab Band district.
-- A combined force detained an insurgent in Ghazni's Waghaz district.
-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Ghazni's Qarah Bagh district.
-- In the Barak district of Logar province, a combined force found and cleared two IEDs.
-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Nangarhar province's Pachir Wa Agam district.
-- In Nangarhar's Nazyan district, a combined force found and cleared an IED.
-- A combined force detained an insurgent in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district.
In a July 7 operation, a combined force detained two Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leaders and two other suspects in the Kunduz district of Kunduz province. The detained IMU leaders were directly involved in the construction of IEDs and their use in insurgent attacks. Both leaders are associated with senior IMU leadership and participated in high-profile suicide attack planning, including a failed attack in January, officials said.

NEWS FROM ISAF IN AFGHANISTAN JULY 5, 2012

Photo:  Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force.
FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Combined Force Detains Taliban Weapons Supplier
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON, July 5, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban weapons supplier in the Chimtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.

The weapons supplier provided firearms, explosives and improvised explosive devices to Taliban insurgents throughout the region, officials said. At the time of his arrest, he was in the process of acquiring IEDs for upcoming attacks.

The security force also detained another suspected insurgent during the operation, officials said.

Also today, officials confirmed that Taliban leader Nek Mohammad was killed July 1 in the Sar-e Pul district of Sar-e Pul province. Mohammad had served as a senior Taliban leader in the region and directed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Officials also confirmed today that a Taliban leader known as Hamza was killed July 2 in the Ghazni district of Ghazni province. Hamza had managed several Taliban insurgents and coordinated attacks with other Taliban leaders throughout the region.
In operations around Afghanistan today:

-- A combined force in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province apprehended a Taliban leader and detained two other insurgents. The detained Taliban leader led an attack cell and coordinated high-profile attacks. At the time of his arrest, he was attempting to acquire suicide vests and more than 110 pounds of explosives.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader and several other suspects in the Pul-e Alam district of Logar province. The apprehended Taliban leader was responsible for attacks against coalition security patrols throughout the region and the killing of multiple Afghan soldiers in May.

In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force seized more than 40 pounds of opium during a search for a Taliban leader in Kandahar's Panjwai district.

-- A combined force discovered and cleared two IEDs, one in Ghazni province's Ab Band District and another in the province's Qarah Bagh district.

-- A combined force killed two insurgents and detained three others in Ghazni province's Dehyak district.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent in Khost province's Qalandar district, and another combined force found and cleared an IED in the province's Khost district.

-- Combined forces found and cleared two IEDs in Paktika province's Sar Rowzah district and another in the province's Wazah Kwah district.

-- A combined force killed five insurgents and detained a suspect in Paktia province's Lajah Ahmadkhel district.