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ANSF-led combined force arrest suspected Taliban leaders in Khowst Province |
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Written by CJTF-101 Operations
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Sunday, 30 December 2007 |
A combined Afghan National Security Force element, led by the 203rd Commando Kandak, and conducted a series of raids throughout Sabari District in Khowst Province Dec. 27 – 28.
The force consisted of Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan National Border Police. The operation was unprecedented in terms of successfully capturing multiple suspected insurgent commanders without the use of lethal force, and the excellent cooperation between the Afghan Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior.
On the first night, the combined force acted on credible intelligence to search an area of known insurgent activity near Zambar Village, Sabari District, Khowst Province. Northern Sabari District has been a main insurgent safe haven in Khowst Province for some time. Insurgents have used the Zambar Village area to provide command and control for insurgent activities and as a staging area for improvised-explosive-device production.
A significant event during the operation was the arrest of a suspected major insurgent facilitator in northern Khowst Province primarily associated with the Hizb-e-Islami-Gulbuddin terrorist organization, and believed to have ties to the Haqqani Network, the Taliban and al Qaida. He is suspected of directing IED attacks, antagonizing feuding tribes in the area and facilitating other insurgent activities detrimental to the positive development of Afghanistan.
Capturing this terrorist should significantly improve the security situation in Sabari District,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “His arrest will help stabilize the area by eliminating an antagonist causing tribal conflicts in the region. Additionally, the IED cell under him will no longer have his level of guidance, logistical support or discrete cover to conduct IED attacks.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 31 December 2007 )
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