BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Two suspected militants were detained April 6 during a joint Afghan National Police and Coalition forces operation disrupting militant Improvised Explosive Device networks in Khowst Province.

ANP and Coalition forces searched compounds in Sabari district targeting a Haqqani network sub-commander responsible for conducting IED-facilitation operations as well as several attacks in the area. 

During their search, Afghan National Police confirmed that militants were not hiding or storing weapons or IEDs in a Mosque on the compound.

“Mindful of cultural sensitivities, only Afghan National Police entered the Mosque to ensure it was not being inappropriately used by militants and any individuals inside were unharmed,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Coalition forces spokesman. “Coalition forces remained outside the Mosque ensuring non-combatant civilians on the compound were protected from possible hostilities.”

The joint force also found and detained two individuals with suspected links to the targeted Haqqani sub-commander and militant IED operations.  Additionally an AK-47 assault rifle was recovered and removed to prevent inadvertent harm to non-combatant civilians and to prevent the weapon from being used in extremist operations.