NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JUNE 21, 2013

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgts. Michael Bittner and Gemenie Strehlow talk with Afghan children while providing security in the town of Payan Janqadam near Bagram Airfield, Parwan province, Afghanistan, June 13, 2013. Bittner and Strehlow are assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Group. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ben Bloker

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE


Combined Force Arrests 2 Extremists in Nangarhar Province

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 21, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested two extremists during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.


The sought-after Taliban leader is a subordinate to one of the highest-ranking Taliban leaders in Nangarhar province, officials said. He is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces using large groups of extremist fighters.

The sought-after insurgent also directs the movement of weapons, ammunition, money and other military equipment to Taliban cells operating in Nangarhar province, officials said. The security force also seized a shotgun and 30 pounds of opium as a result of the operation.


In other Afghanistan operations today:
-- A combined force arrested a Haqqani facilitator and five other extremists in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Wardak province. The facilitator managed the transportation and distribution of weapons, ammunition and other supplies to extremist groups operating in the Pul-e 'Alam district. He also participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Combined forces confirmed the death of a Taliban leader, Jilani, during a June 19 operation in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province. Jilani controlled a group of fighters responsible for attacks on Highway 1 targeting Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinated the movement of weapons for extremist operations and performed intelligence and reconnaissance duties for senior Taliban leaders.


In June 20 operations:
-- Afghan National Army Special Forces of the 4th Special Operations Kandak, advised by coalition forces, killed five insurgents in the Shindand district of Herat province. The insurgents attacked the joint forces as they conducted a presence patrol in the vicinity of Kushe village in south Zereko Valley. Three Afghan troops were wounded in the engagement.

-- Afghan National Army Special Forces, advised by coalition forces, killed three insurgents in the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, and members of the Afghan National Army killed five insurgents in the Khakrez district of Kandahar province.
　


  

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 30, 2013

U.S., Afghan soldiers and Afghan police conduct a presence patrol and resupply mission through Baraki Rajan near Combat Outpost Baraki Barak in Afghanistan’s Logar province, May 22, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Julieanne Morse

 FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents in Kunduz
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 30, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents who opened fire during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Archi district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.
The Taliban leader builds improvised explosive devices and suicide vests for insurgents. He also has directed and coordinated attacks resulting in the deaths of numerous Afghan national security forces personnel.
The security force also seized two assault rifles, a submachine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and eight rocket-propelled grenades.
In Afghanistan operations yesterday:
-- A combined force in Logar province's Pul-e Alam district arrested six insurgents during two operations in search of a senior Haqqani network leader who plans, facilitates and organizes attacks. He coordinates the movement of weapons and fighters and finances high-profile attack networks active in the Afghan capital of Kabul. He also manages insurgent network personnel decisions.
-- In Paktia province's Zurmat district, a combined force killed an insurgent during a search for a Haqqani network leader who is responsible for kidnapping-for-ransom operations in the area. He also conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 15, 2013

 

U.S. Marines unload weapons and gear after returning from a mounted patrol on Forward Operating Base Shir Ghazay, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 7, 2013. U.S Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alejandro Pena

 FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Afghan, Coalition Forces Wound Taliban Leader, Kill Insurgents
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 15, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force wounded a Taliban leader and killed two other insurgents in the Qush Tepah district of Afghanistan's Jowzjan province yesterday, military officials reported.

The leader has operational control over a group responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also engages in illegal taxation against Afghan civilians, provides training on improvised explosive device operations to his subordinates, and facilitates the movement of money, weapons and insurgent fighters in the area.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- Afghan special forces soldiers, advised by coalition forces, detained eight insurgents and seized and destroyed 200 gallons of homemade explosives and other bomb components in Kandahar province's Panjwai district.

-- In Ghazni province's Andar district, an Afghan local police quick-reaction force responding to attacks on two checkpoints killed an insurgent and wounded another.

-- An Afghan quick-reaction force killed two insurgents while responding to an attack on a local police checkpoint in Ghazni's Gelan district. After the engagement, the security force recovered two asault rifles.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 13,

 

Marines fire an M777 A2 howitzer during a series of integrated exercises at the Combat Center’s Quakenbush Training Area in Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 26, 2013. The Marines are assigned to 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William J. Jackson

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force in Kandahar Province Arrests Taliban Leader
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases


WASHINGTON, May 13, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and two other insurgents in the Dand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The leader has operational control over insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the movement of weapons in Kandahar City and is involved in the construction of improvised explosive devices.

Also today, a combined force in Helmand province's Marjah district arrested an insurgent during a search for a senior Taliban leader who is in charge of at least seven groups of Taliban insurgents responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He is involved in all stages of operations, including procuring weapons and ammunition, planning attacks and executing those plans. He and his insurgent fighters also kidnap Afghan national security force members. The combined force also seized a rifle and ammunition.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- An Afghan quick-reaction police force killed three insurgents and wounded two others in Ghazni province's Andar district after two local policemen asked for help. The quick-reaction force found the policemen surrounded and receiving small-arms fire from 10 insurgents. This marked the second instance in less than 48 hours in which multiple Afghan elements, working through the district operation control center, combined efforts to defeat Taliban attacks against Afghan local police positions, officials said.

-- A combined force in Jowzjan province's Faizabad district detained a Taliban leader who is responsible for IED attacks in Jowzjan and Balkh provinces. He obtained weapons and ammunition for a network of Taliban fighters for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, collected illegal taxes from local civilians to fund insurgency operations, and provided intelligence on coalition force movement to senior Taliban leadership. The security force also arrested another insurgent.

-- In Baghlan province's Burkah district, a combined force arrested a senior insurgent leader with ties to the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan who is in charge of a group of fighters responsible for a wide range of insurgent activities. He and his cell have murdered Afghans, kidnapped civilians for ransom, conducted robberies against local businesses and collected illegal taxes to fund insurgent operations. He also facilitates the movement of weapons and suicide vests. The security force also arrested another insurgent and seized an assault rifle, five rocket-propelled grenades, seven RPG propellants, two fragmentary grenades, ammunition, six magazines and IED-making materials.

-- Also in Baghlan's Burkah district, a combined force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader who is a known IED expert and has directed suicide-bomber attacks.

-- A combined force in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district arrested two insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader who oversees insurgent cells responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He and his subordinates are heavily involved in IED operations. He also directs the movement of weapons and connects with other insurgent leaders to report intelligence and receive guidance for his network's activities.

-- In Kandahar province's Arghandab district, a combined force killed a Taliban leader and another insurgent and detained two insurgents. The Taliban leader was in charge of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also was involved in the obtaining of weapons and equipment for his insurgent group and directed night patrols to harass the local populace. The security force seized IED-making materials, an assault rifle, a pistol and four magazines.

-- A combined force in Wardak province's Sayyidabad district arrested two insurgents during a search for a senior Taliban leader who controls about 70 insurgent fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also oversees local weapons trafficking and reports on insurgent operations to higher-ranking Taliban officials

In May 11 operations:

-- A combined force in Paktia province's Zurmat district arrested a Haqqani network leader who controls an insurgent cell responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and is involved in IED operations throughout the province. The security force also arrested another insurgent and seized a submachine gun, ammunition and IED-making materials.

-- In Helmand province's Marjah district, a combined force arrested a senior Taliban leader who is in charge of an insurgent cell responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinates IED and suicide-bomber attacks and obtains weapons for insurgents. The security force also arrested two other insurgents.

In May 10 operations:

-- Afghan commandos, advised by coalition forces, detained 28 insurgents in Logar province's Muhhamed Agha district during an operation designed to disrupt insurgent activity in the area.

-- In Zabul province's Shah Joy and Gelan districts, Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, seized and destroyed 350 pounds of ingredients for homemade explosives and other IED components.

-- Responding to an attack on local police, an Afghan quick-reaction force killed 10 insurgents in Ghazni province's Qara Bagh district. The security force recovered three motorcycles, two assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 6, 2013

U.S. soldiers and law enforcement professionals dismount a Stryker armored vehicle after arriving for the tactical site exploitation class in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, April 25, 2013. The soldiers are assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, Task Force 435. The class certified Afghan police as instructors in crime scene investigation techniques. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Hamann

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Kills Insurgent During Search Operation
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Nahrin district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province killed an insurgent today during a search for the district's ranking Taliban leader, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader and his cell of insurgent fighters have conducted a campaign of assassinations in the district, collected illegal taxes from local civilians, and participated in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

He also is instrumental in training and familiarizing new fighters in the area and has a history of coordinating suicide attacks with local Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist groups.

As the security force approached the leader's suspected location, an insurgent maneuvered against the Afghan and coalition troops and was killed when he posed a lethal threat. The security force also seized a light machine gun and ammunition in the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

--A combined force in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district arrested a senior Taliban leader who has planned and directed assassinations against government officials, conducted attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces and facilitated the movement of money, weapons and insurgent fighters throughout the area. The security force also arrested another insurgent.

-- In Kandahar province's Maiwand district, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator who is responsible for providing weapons and fighters to local insurgent groups and has a history of distributing roadside bombs, grenades, machine guns, ammunition and other military supplies for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested another insurgent and seized 2 pounds of opium.

-- A combined force in Helmand province's Nawah-ye Barakzai district arrested a Taliban facilitator who has a history of distributing roadside bombs to insurgent cells throughout the province and has participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also arrested four other insurgents.

In operations yesterday:

-- In Baghlan province's Baghlan-e Jadid district, a combined force killed an insurgent during a search for an insurgent leader with ties to the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The leader directs improvised explosive device operations targeting senior government officials and Afghan and coalition forces and works directly with Taliban senior leadership to disseminate information to low-level fighters. He also is vital in facilitating money and weapons for insurgent groups in the area.

-- In the same district, Provincial Response Company Baghlan, enabled by coalition forces, killed six insurgents when it responded to an attack on another Afghan unit. The joint force engaged several insurgents armed with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades shortly after being dispatched by the provincial chief of police.

-- Provincial Response Company Farah, enabled by coalition forces, detained six insurgents and seized a cache of weapons, drugs and ammunition while conducting a high-risk arrest in Farah province's Pusht E Rod District. The cache consisted of four RPG rockets, two pressure plates, 110 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 11 pounds of opium and a pound of hashish.

-- A combined force in Kandahar province's Dand district killed Qudrat, a Taliban leader, and arrested four other insurgents. Qudrat was in charge of a cell of Taliban fighters responsible for IED operations throughout the province. He also facilitated the movement of weapons in the area and provided operational reports to senior Taliban leaders in the area. The security force also seized a pistol and an ammunition magazine.

-- In Baghlan province's Burkah district, a combined force arrested four insurgents during a search for a senior insurgent leader with ties to both the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan who has operational control over fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is vital in facilitating the movement of weapons, particularly rocket-propelled grenades, to insurgent fighters in the area. He and his group also collect illegal taxes from the local populace to fund terrorist activity. The security force also seized three rifles, magazines and ammunition.

-- A combined force in Helmand province's Nahr-e Saraj district arrested a Taliban leader who is responsible for coordinating and executing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also procures and distributes weapons and IED components to his subordinate fighters and other insurgent groups. The security force also addressed three other insurgents.

-- In the same district, Afghan local police and soldiers and coalition forces killed more than 18 insurgents after being attacked at police checkpoints. The district police chief provided a quick-reaction force to one checkpoint, and the district operations coordination center tasked Afghan commandos to support the fight at another. Coalition forces provided indirect fire in support of the quick-reaction force.

In May 4 operations:

-- In Baghlan province's Burkah district, a combined force arrested a senior insurgent leader with ties to both the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The leader has operational control over fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is vital in facilitating the movement of weapons, particularly rocket-propelled grenades, to insurgent fighters in the area. He and his group also collect illegal taxes from the local populace to fund terrorist activity.

-- A combined force in Jowzjan province's Qush Tepah district killed three insurgents and wounded another during a search for a senior Taliban leader who directs all Taliban operations in the district and coordinates with insurgent networks in Jowzjan and Sar-e Pul districts. He is responsible for the facilitation, planning and coordination of attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the region. Officials said he is planning an attack on an Afghan checkpoint, plotting to kill the guards and take their weapons. He also relays instructions from senior Taliban leaders to more than 100 fighters. The insurgents were seen planting a rocket.

-- Afghan local police and coalition forces detained three insurgents after finding them in the possession of about 45 pounds of IED-making materials and three pressure plate training devices in Zabul province's Shah Joy district.

-- In Nangarhar province's Charparhar district, Afghan commandos, advised by coalition forces, detained 14 insurgents during a clearing operation conducted to disrupt a known Taliban attack staging area.

-- Afghan local police, advised by coalition forces, detained an IED operative during a patrol in Logar province's Baraki Barak district and turned him over to Afghan National Police.

-- A combined force in Helmand province's Marjah district arrested a Taliban leader who has operational control over fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also key in procuring and distributing weapons and IED components. The security force also arrested two other insurgents.

-- In Khost province's Gurbuz district, a combined force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator who is responsible for trafficking weapons. The security force also seized three assault rifles, a pistol, 10 magazines and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

In May 3 operations:

-- A combined force in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district arrested a high-profile Taliban attack facilitator who provides logistical support to senior Taliban leaders. He organizes the purchase, transfer and delivery of weapons to support the Taliban insurgency, and has sold rockets used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Afghan commandos in Nangarhar province's Chaparhar district arrested a mid-level Taliban leader who is involved in the narcotics trade and is responsible for attacks against coalition forces and Afghan government officials.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR MAY 3, 2013

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Wolfe provides security during a meeting with the Farah provincial director of telecommunications in Farah City, Afghanistan, May 1, 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 Senior Insurgent Leader
From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 3, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today killed Jamal, a senior insurgent leader who had ties to both the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, military officials reported.

As the security force approached Jamal's location, insurgents opened fire. The combined force returned fire and killed Jamal and three other insurgents.

Also known as Mullah Zabiullah, Jamal was the second-highest-ranking insurgent in the district. His cell of terrorists is responsible for suicide bombings against Afghan civilians throughout Baghlan and Takhar provinces. He recruited and trained insurgents for operations targeting Afghan officials for kidnappings and executions. He also played a significant role in linking Taliban and IMU fighters in Baghlan, working as a mediator and coordinating operations between the two networks, officials said.

The security force also detained two insurgents and seized four assault rifles and ammunition in the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In Kandahar province's Nesh district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader and three other insurgents. The leader has operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also procures and distributes weapons and military equipment to insurgents. The security force also seized an assault rifle, three magazines and ammunition.

-- A combined force in Nangarhar province's Khugyani district arrested three insurgents during a search for a Taliban facilitator who provides logistical support to senior Taliban leaders throughout western Nangarhar. He organizes the purchase, transfer and delivery of weapons to support the Taliban insurgency, and has sold rockets used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized a pistol, a rifle and a shotgun.

-- In Wardak province's Sayyidabad district, a combined force arrested an insurgent during a search for a senior Taliban leader who controls an insurgent group that attack Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the movement of weapons and other military equipment to local insurgent cells, and is involved in building and using improvised explosive devices. During the operation, insurgents in the senior leader's compound opened fire on the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force returned fire, killing one insurgent.

-- A combined force in Khost province's Matun district arrested an insurgent leader affiliated with the Taliban and the Taj Mir Jawad networks. He is involved in high-profile attack planning and coordination for an insurgent network in Logar province and is responsible for IED operations and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also was directly involved in a high-profile suicide attack Feb. 27 in the Afghan capital of Kabul that wounded eight peoples. The security force also arrested three other insurgents and seized a pistol.

-- In Paktia province's Gardez district, a combined force arrested a Haqqani network leader who leads a group of insurgents responsible for ambushes and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He recently was engaged in a campaign of robberies against Afghan civilian shops and is vital to weapons facilitation in Paktia. The security force also arrested two other insurgents and seized an assault rifle and five magazines.

In operations yesterday:

-- Afghan commandos came under attack during a cordon-and-search operation in Helmand province's Sangin district and killed three insurgents who were planting an IED. The commandos seized several grenades, an assault rifle, three magazines and almost 270 pounds of opium.

-- In Nuristan province's Waygal district, a combined force killed a senior leader with ties to the Taliban and other terrorist networks. Mohammad Issa, also known as Emirati, was in charge of training Taliban fighters and leaders for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also had a history of hosting transitory international terrorists in his home. Another insurgent also was killed in the operation.

-- A combined force in Kunar province's Ghaziabad district wounded an insurgent during a search for the district's ranking Taliban military leader. He works directly with high-level Taliban officials to develop strategic-level guidance for his network of insurgents. He also has planned and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and has kidnapped Afghan civilians.

ISAF NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR APRIL 17, 2013

 

A coalition force member drives a vehicle during a patrol with Afghan special forces to escort a district governor in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 14, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

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

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 17, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained a senior Taliban leader and three other insurgents today in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader is accused of coordinating and conducting direct-fire assaults, ambushes and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also is believed to be a supplier of IED components, heavy weapons and ammunition to Taliban fighters.

The security force also seized more than 10 pounds of opium during the operation.

Also today, a combined force in Paktia province's Tsamkani district killed an insurgent and detained a Haqqani network leader believed to have operational control over IED operations in Paktia and Khost provinces. He also is accused of planning and directing attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and of enlisting Afghan children to participate in insurgent activities. The security force also detained three other suspects and seized two assault rifles, a pistol and ammunition.

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- Afghan special forces soldiers, supported by coalition forces, detained several suspected insurgents and recovered small-arms ammunition, fuses and a grenade in Badakhshan province's Warduj district after discovering a suspected insurgent medical facility.

-- Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, killed two insurgents and seized and destroyed 110 pounds of homemade explosives and IED components during a cordon-and-search operation in Zabul province.

In other news, Afghan and coalition security forces today confirmed the death of Khaliq Mir, a Haqanni network facilitator, during an April 15 operation in Khost province's Sabari district. Mir acquired and distributed weapons for insurgents throughout the province and belonged to a cell of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 29, 2013

Photo:  Afghanistan Search.  Credit:  U.S. Marine Corps.

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

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Arghandab district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The leader was responsible for planning and executing improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and was planning an IED attack against Afghan civilians when he was arrested, officials said.

The security force also detained a suspected insurgent and seized ammunition in the operation.

Also today, a combined force in Baghlan province's Burkah district arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader who conducted assassinations directed by insurgent leadership and coordinated the acquisition and delivery of weapons for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized an assault rifle with associated gear and ammunition.

In Kandahar province's Spin Boldak district yesterday, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader responsible for building, planting and distributing IEDs. He also conducted surveillance of Afghan and coalition forces in preparation for IED attacks and organized the transfer and delivery of IEDs to other insurgents.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR JANUARY 8, 2013

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

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

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

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

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

In other Afghanistan operations today:

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

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

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

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2012

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

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 2, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.

The arrested insurgent leader is suspected of organizing improvised explosive device operations, kidnappings and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

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

In other operations today:
-- In Helmand province, a combined force detained two suspected insurgents during a security operation while searching for a Taliban leader. The Taliban leader is believed to be responsible for distributing munitions to Taliban insurgents and serves as the functional head of a Taliban direct-action cell.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined force arrested a Taliban facilitator who is believed to have organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and enabled the movement of extremists in central Kunar province. During the operation, the force also detained two suspected insurgents.

-- In Paktiya province, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader suspected of directing attacks against government officials in the province and also working directly with Taliban leaders to carry out the kidnappings and executions of several Afghans. The force also detained a suspected insurgent during the operation.

And, a combined force arrested a Haqqani leader in Logar province Oct. 30. The arrested insurgent leader is alleged to have organized and executed IED attacks.

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN OCTOBER 15, 2012

U.S. Gen. Allen Visits Womans Baazar In Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. DOD Photo. 

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader in Ghazni

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network leader in Afghanistan's Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.

The detained Haqqani leader is believed to be directly associated with suicide-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks, officials said.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- Shafiullah, a Taliban leader accused of planning and executing a May 29, 2011, attack that killed three coalition service members was killed in an operation in Ghazni province.

-- An Afghan and coalition force in Paktia province arrested several insurgents during a search for a Taliban senior leader believed to oversee IED operations throughout the province.

-- In Helmand province, a combined force arrested several insurgents and seized 33 pounds of illegal narcotics during a search for a Taliban leader who operates in close coordination with Taliban senior leaders and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In Oct. 13 operations:
-- Taliban leader Qurashi, also known as Baz Khan and Zubair, was killed during an operation in Kunduz province. He was directly involved in planning and executing IED attacks.

-- A patrol of Afghan security forces, partnered with U.S. Special Forces soldiers, killed several insurgents when the coalition partners were ambushed in Paktia province. No civilians or security forces were killed or injured during the engagement.

-- An Afghan and coalition security force in Logar province killed Haqqani network leader Rahmatullah, also known as Qari Moktar or Mohammad Qasim Qari, who was responsible for coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In Kandahar province, an Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban leader who commanded a Taliban IED cell directly responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained another suspected insurgent.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two militants engaging in insurgent activity in Helmand province.

-- An Afghan and coalition force searching for a Taliban IED expert in Laghman province killed two insurgents and seized weapons and 13 pounds of illegal narcotics.

-- In Kunduz province, an Afghan and coalition security force searching for a Taliban leader killed several insurgents and seized weapons and grenades.

In Oct. 12 operations:
-- Afghan special operations soldiers, partnered with U.S. Special Forces, were ambushed by more than a dozen insurgents during a patrol in Paktia province. The combined force returned fire and used air support to kill the insurgents. No civilians or security forces were killed or injured during the engagement.

-- Afghan and coalition forces in Helmand province killed a Taliban leader who was believed to be responsible for directing attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces.

-- Taliban leader Qari Nasratullah was killed during an operation in Sar-e Pul province. He is believed to have commanded more than 20 Taliban fighters. The security force also seized weapons, grenades and associated gear.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed insurgents during operations in Ghazni province.