BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police from Shkin arrested a two-man terrorist cell Jan. 5 in Bermel District, Paktika Province. 
The two insurgents are suspected of being responsible for a remote-controlled improvised explosive device attack, which injured an Afghan National Army soldier and a support technician near Shkin Nov. 12.  The Shkin ANP independently developed the intelligence identifying, locating and targeting the two-man cell.  The same cell is also implicated in several other attacks using remote-controlled IEDs throughout Bermel District.
During the raid of the insurgent’s compound, ANP investigators found evidence of their involvement in several IED attacks. Several IED components, weapons, cell phones and documents were discovered.
Before the operation, ANP leaders coordinated with the provincial governor and Coalition forces.  Afterward, a shura was held with village elders to present evidence against the criminals.
“Arresting these insurgents will put a significant dent in IED attacks in Bermel District,” a Coalition forces soldier said.  “Having Afghan National Police conduct the entire operation, from developing the intelligence and targeting the individuals, to conducting the operation and capturing the insurgents, shows how far the ANP have come in their development.”
“The ANP are intent on maintaining the pressure on insurgents, and in particular, IED facilitators throughout Paktika Province, just as the ANSF intend to maintain that pressure throughout all of Afghanistan,” stated a Coalition forces soldier.