WASHINGTON, June 8, 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force yesterday captured a key facilitator for the Kunduz attack network and two of his associates during a nighttime security operation in the Archi district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province, military officials reported.
The facilitator moved suicide bombers and explosive materials for the network. This network consists of multiple Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan insurgents who are directly involved in explosive device and suicide bomb attacks against Afghan government officials and Afghan security forces.
The network is responsible for the Feb. 10, 2011, attack against the Chahar Darah district governor, killing the governor and six others. The network is also responsible for the Feb. 21, 2011, attack against the Imam Sahib district governor’s office, which killed 30 Afghan civilians.
The Afghan-led security force searched for the facilitator at his compound. There, Afghan members of the force called for all occupants to exit, allowing the force to ensure the safety of the women and children.
During interviews with residents, the facilitator identified himself to the force and was apprehended. Two of his associates were also detained for further questioning. No shots were fired during the operation.
In other operations in Afghanistan yesterday:
-- An Afghan and coalition security force killed one armed insurgent and detained one suspect during a security operation targeting a Taliban leader in the Kishindeh district of Balkh province. The leader is responsible for training subordinates in explosive and homemade bomb construction and facilitates the movement of explosive device parts and weapons throughout the district.
-- Also in Balkh province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while supporting an Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army operation in the Chimtal district. The operation targeted a Taliban leader who is responsible for preparing attacks on Afghan security forces using improvised explosive devices, mines, and conventional weapons. The force confiscated multiple grenades, AK-47 rifles and chest racks. No civilians were harmed in the night operation.
-- Afghan and coalition forces detained numerous suspects with links to Taliban activity during an overnight security operation in the Qalat district of Zabul province. The Afghan-led force was searching for a Taliban explosives facilitator. The facilitator was involved in the kidnapping, robbing and murder of an Afghan security agent.
-- In Helmand province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation in the Marjeh district. The search targeted a Taliban leader who directs an explosive device attack cell in the district.
-- During a search operation in the Panjwa'i district of Kandahar province, a combined security force detained one suspect and confiscated 100 pounds of marijuana while searching for a Taliban leader in the district. The leader is responsible for conducting multiple ambushes and roadside bomb attacks against Afghan security forces throughout the district.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspects linked to the Haqqani network during an operation in the Mota Khan district of Paktika province. The Afghan-led force was searching for a senior Haqqani leader who is the Haqqani-appointed governing official for attacks in the district.
-- In Paktiya province, an Afghan and coalition force detained several suspects during an overnight security operation in the Zurmat district. The Afghan-led force detained the individuals while searching for a Haqqani network facilitator who operates in the district and is involved with car-bomb activities.
-- Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspects during a operation targeting a Haqqani network leader in the Sabari district of Khost province. The targeted leader directs a large group of fighters conducting roadside bomb, car bomb and direct attacks against the Afghan army. The force searched the area and confiscated an AK-47 rifle, a chest rack and several ammunition magazines.
In June 7 operations:
-- A coalition force patrol discovered a weapons cache during a security operation in the Nad’ Ali district of Helmand province. The cache consisted of four improvised electric detonators, batteries, 1,600 7.62 mm rounds, 55 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 22 pounds of aluminum powder, four pressure plates, three empty directional fragmentation charges and various improvised explosive device making materials. All the items were confiscated by security forces.
In June 6 operations:
-- A coalition patrol discovered an explosives cache during a checkpoint operation in the Sayyid Khayl district of Parwan province. The patrol searched a cargo truck that was transporting 300 bags of ammonium nitrate -- a material used in the making of homemade bombs -- weighting about 14,000 pounds. The vehicle was turned over to Afghan authorities.
-- A combined Afghan and coalition force discovered a weapons cache during an operation in the Baghran district of Helmand province. The operation secured 70 anti-personnel mines, five grenades, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 15 rocket-propelled grenades, four AK-47 rifles, two pistols, 500 meters of detonation cord, small-arms ammunition, detonators and 22 pounds of opium. The explosives and narcotics were safely destroyed on site.
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STAND-TO!: Enhanced COIN Operations
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