ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN

 

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Wolfe scans for security threats from a rooftop during a meeting with the Farah provincial council at the governor's compound in Farah City, Afghanistan, April 18, 2013. Wolfe, a platoon leader, is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Josh Ives

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Security Force Kills Insurgents in Helmand Province

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 24, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.

The leader is believed to be responsible for purchasing and distributing improvised explosive device components to other Taliban members. He also has participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and provides intelligence to senior Taliban leaders in the province, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district killed an insurgent during a search for a Taliban leader who is believed to oversee IED operations in the district. He also has participated in assassinations against Afghan national security force members and provided intelligence to senior Taliban leaders.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, detained several insurgents and seized and destroyed 132 pounds of ammonium nitrate aluminum powder in Zabul province's Shinkay and Qalat districts. Insurgents use the powder in making IEDs.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR APRIL 5, 2013

A U.S. Marine Special Operations Team member uses a bulldozer to level off the build site for a local police checkpoint in Afghanistan's Helmand province, March 30, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

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

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 5, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The leader is accused of commanding a cell of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He allegedly provides weapons for insurgents and is believed to be heavily involved in improvised explosive device operations, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district detained an insurgent during a search for a Taliban facilitator who provides logistical support to Taliban senior leaders throughout western Nangarhar. He allegedly has organized the purchase, transfer and delivery of weapons and has sold rockets used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Khost province's Sabari district, a combined force detained two insurgents during a search for a Haqqani network leader who controls fighters responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also is accused of facilitating the movement of weapons and significant amounts of money for insurgency operations.

Yesterday in Jowzjan province's Shibirghan district, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained several other insurgents. The facilitator allegedly has procured weapons for the insurgency, including IEDs, machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols, rocket-propelled grenades, fragmentary grenades, ammunition and magazines.

In other news, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed that Taliban facilitator Mullah Zakir Akhund was killed during an April 3 operation in Jowzjan's Shibirghan district.

Akhund was responsible for providing financial aid to insurgents in several provinces, collecting taxes for the Taliban, overseeing a network of Taliban tax collectors and coordinating financial matters with other leaders. He also was involved in providing weapons for use against Afghan and coalition forces.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR APRIL 3, 2013

U.S. Army Sgt. Justin R. Pereira, right, and Laika 5, a military working dog trained to detect tactical explosives, provide security as Afghan border police break ground on a new checkpoint in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, March 25, 2013. Pereira and Laika 5 are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Striker Brigade Combat Team. The border police moved to the new location to block an insurgent nfiltration route. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann

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

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 3, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.

The leader has allegedly led a cell of insurgent fighters in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said. He also is accused of training insurgent fighters and serves a vital role in intelligence and improvised explosive device operations, they added.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Dand district detained two insurgents while searching for a Taliban facilitator believed to have arranged the transportation of weapons and IEDs throughout Kandahar for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also allegedly has ordered subordinates to commit executions and kidnappings against Afghan civilians working with government officials. The security force also seized a machine gun and a grenade.

-- In Helmand province's Nad-e Ali district, a combined force detained several insurgents while searching for a senior Taliban leader who allegedly commands numerous cells of Taliban fighters. He and his subordinates are believed to have participated in numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and he also is believed to have plotted the assassination of Afghan government officials. The security force seized an assault rifle and two ammunition magazines.

-- A combined force detained a Taliban leader and several other insurgents in Logar province's Pul-e Alam district. The leader is believed to be responsible for the movement and coordination of insurgent fighters throughout the province and for procuring and distributing weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2012

Photo:  Harrier Jet In Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. DOD 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 21, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for a high-ranking Taliban leader and weapons facilitator in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

As the security force approached the Taliban leader's location, multiple insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms attacked the force, officials said.

The security force returned fire, killing several insurgents and defeating the attack. The security force also detained one suspect and seized several RPGs and a large quantity of assault rifles as a result of the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force arrested five insurgents during a search for a Taliban weapons and lethal aid facilitator in Nimroz province.

-- In Khost province, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader and weapons supplier, detained three other suspects and seized improvised explosive device-making materials, RPG equipment, ammunition, and firearms. The detained Haqqani leader is believed to be responsible for conducting convoy and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In operations yesterday:
-- A combined force killed Taliban leader Saifullah in Ghazni province. Saifullah, also known as Allah Dad, was responsible for ensuring freedom of movement for Taliban fighters to gather intelligence and conduct indirect-fire and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition personnel. Prior to his death, Saifullah was involved in an IED attack against Afghan National Security Forces.

In Nov. 19 operations:
-- In Kandahar province, a combined force killed several insurgents, detained one suspect and seized weapons, ammunition and equipment including several AK-47 rifles.

-- A combined force seized 660 pounds of wet opium and detained one insurgent in Daykundi province.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN, OCTOBER 2, 2012

Photo:  Harrier Jet.  Credit:  U.S. Department of Defense

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


KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 2, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force arrested a Taliban leader in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested Taliban leader is suspected of reporting directly to the senior Taliban leader for the district and was responsible for coordinating and directing improvised explosive device emplacement operations, as well as insurgent attacks throughout the region, officials said.

Officials said the detained Taliban leader also is linked to the preparation of a vehicle-borne IED attack against Afghan and coalition force assets.

The security force also detained multiple suspected insurgents and seized an IED firing device and IED-making materials, officials said.

In other operations today:

-- A combined force arrested a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader and weapons facilitator and detained two other suspects in the Chahar Darah district of Kunduz province. The arrested IMU leader is suspected of planning and conducting IED attacks throughout Kunduz province, as well as coordinating the movement of IED-making materials for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained several suspects during an operation to arrest a Haqqani leader in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The Haqqani leader is believed to oversee the distribution of weapons to support insurgent operations throughout Logar province.

-- A combined force detained one suspectduring a search for a Taliban leader in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province. The sought-after Taliban leader is suspected of being directly involved in multiple ambush-style attacks on coalition force convoys throughout the district.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force arrested a Taliban commander in the Gereshk district of Helmand province. The Taliban commander, Abdul Bari, who operated across southwest Afghanistan, is suspected of coordinating delivery of heavy machine guns and IED-making components to insurgents across central Helmand province.

-- Afghan Special Police members recovered IED-making materials and heavy weapons, including three mortars, in a coalition-supported operation in the Nerkh district of Wardak province.

GEN. ALLEN'S COMMENTS ON 60 MINUTES REGARDING INSIDER ATTACKS

Anti-Taliban Fighter, 2002.  Credit:  U.S. Navy.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Allen Discusses Insider Attacks in '60 Minutes' Interview
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2012 - In an interview on the CBS program "60 Minutes" last night, the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan said he takes his mission personally and is angered by insider attacks by Afghan security forces and militants wearing Afghan uniforms

"I'm mad as hell about them, to be honest with you," Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, told CBS correspondent Lara Logan. "We're going to get after this. It reverberates everywhere across the United States. We're willing to sacrifice a lot for this campaign, but we're not willing to be murdered for it."

The general said it is important to understand the Afghan people still support ISAF troops and their mission to guide Afghan troops as they prepare to take full responsibility for security in their country.

"The key point is for us to understand that the vast majority of the Afghans, ... they're with us in this," Allen said. "They understand right now the severity of this problem and the urgency of what's happening."

Afghans have been killed trying to save coalition forces when some attacks have been under way," the general noted. "[It] was the only reaction that they could have taken ... to try to save us at that moment of attack," he said.

More than 50 coalition members have been killed by insider attacks this year. Allen said insurgents recognize the vulnerability posed as coalition forces work alongside Afghan counterparts, and they have adapted their tactics to exploit it.

"In Iraq, the signature weapon system that we hadn't seen before was the [improvised explosive device]," he said. "We had to adjust to that. Here, I think the signature attack that we're beginning to see is going to be the insider attack."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, also interviewed in the segment, acknowledged the attacks and pledged to help ISAF eliminate the threat. "These attacks are sad," he said. "This is something I have discussed in detail, something that I bear responsibility for to correct."

Allen also discussed the presence of al-Qaida and ISAF's commitment to continuing to "target and eliminate them."

"Al-Qaida has come back, [and] is a resilient organization," he said. "But they're not here in large numbers. But al-Qaida doesn't have to be anywhere in large numbers."

The terrorist organization is not significant in a traditional military sense, Allen said. "Al-Qaida has significance beyond its numbers, frankly," he added. "And so for us, our 24-hour-a-day objective is to seek out those al-Qaida cells."

It is important to ensure al-Qaida doesn't feel as though it can put down roots in Afghanistan, the general said, and while security isn't perfect around the country, there has been much improvement.

"An awful lot of the population of this country is living in an area where there is vastly improved security from where it was just a few years ago," he said.

Meanwhile, Allen said, coalition officials are doing a great deal to address terrorist safe havens in Pakistan, and the relationship between ISAF forces and the Pakistani military has improved dramatically.

"There's a very complex relationship with Pakistan, and we'll work very hard and very closely with the Pakistani military to achieve common objectives," he said. "But to some extent, the Pakistani military has been successful in cooperating with us in the last several months with regard to complementary operations on both sides of the border, but much more needs to be done."

ISAF is doing everything it can within its authority to hunt down and kill Haqqani network operatives in Afghanistan who "ultimately threaten my troops, threaten the Afghan troops and the Afghan society, the Afghan civilians, and ultimately the Afghan government," Allen said.

The general also described his intense commitment to the mission in Afghanistan, which he said often leads him to "turn around and go back" to work some nights after asking himself while he's walking home if he's done enough.

"I came here believing this would be the last job I'd ever have," Allen said. "I don't care about anything beyond this. This is what's important to me. I almost can't remember ever having been anywhere else.

"This is completely consuming for me, and I am dedicated 24 hours a day to these magnificent troops, to the Afghans, to this cause, and ultimately to successful completion," he continued. "This is very personal to me. And I take it very personally."

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

Photo Credit:  U.S. Air Force.

FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Combined Force Kills Multiple Insurgents
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 28, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed multiple armed insurgents during an operation to arrest a senior Haqqani facilitator in the Gelan district of Ghazni province today, military officials reported.

As the security force approached the Haqqani facilitator's suspected location, armed insurgents attacked the Afghan and coalition troops with heavy machine gun fire, officials said. The coalition troops returned fire, killing several armed insurgents. No civilians were harmed in the exchange.

The sought-after Haqqani facilitator is believed to be directly involved in several attacks throughout the region, many involving improvised explosive devices, and suicide bombers, resulting in civilian casualties, officials said.

The security force also detained two suspects and seized multiple assault rifles, a heavy machine gun and several explosives, including rocket-propelled grenades, officials said. The weapons and explosives were destroyed.

In other operations today:

-- A combined force detained a number of suspects during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province. The sought-after Taliban leader is suspected of facilitating the movement of weapons throughout the region and reported directly to senior Taliban leaders in order to coordinate insurgent attacks.

-- A combined force detained one suspect and seized several pounds of illegal narcotics during a search for a Taliban leader in the Washer district of Helmand province. The sought-after insurgent leader is alleged to serve as a link between senior Taliban leaders and local attack cells, directing insurgent activity throughout the district.

-- A combined force arrested one Haqqani network leader and detained two suspects in the Sharan district of Paktika province. The arrested Haqqani leader is suspected of being directly involved in the planning of insurgent attacks and acquiring weapons and explosives for Haqqani fighters.

-- An Afghan-led, coalition-supported force arrested a Haqqani explosives facilitator, detained one suspect and seized IED-making equipment in the Bak district of Khost province. The arrested facilitator is alleged to be directly involved in the acquisition and emplacement of improvised explosive devices and rockets for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force arrested a number of suspects and seized several firearms during a search for a senior Haqqani leader in the Sayyid Karam district of Paktiya province. The sought-after Haqqani leader is suspected of directing attacks and coordinating the acquisition of weapons and funding for insurgent activity.

-- A combined force detained a number of suspects and seized multiple firearms during a search for a Haqqani IED attack leader in the Sharan district of Paktika province. The sought-after Haqqani leader is believed to be directly involved in the acquisition and emplacement of IEDs for insurgent attacks.

In Sept. 27 operations:

-- An International Security Assistance Force patrol rescued three Afghans who were being held hostage by Taliban insurgents in the Panjwa'i district of Kandahar province. The ISAF unit, Task Force Arrowhead, observed a number of insurgents load three men, bound and blindfolded, onto a trailer towed by a tractor. The ISAF patrol pursued and stopped the tractor, at which point the insurgents attempted to flee. Task Force Arrowhead troops freed the hostages and detained three of their captors, who were later identified as Taliban members. ISAF learned the three captives had been held by the Taliban for up to six days. The freed men were released by ISAF to Panjwa'i district officials.

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.

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.

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.