von KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan and coalition security force killed several suspected insurgents and detained many more, including a Taliban commander, in Wardak province Wednesday.
The commander conducted improvised explosive device, direct fire and indirect fire attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a series of compounds in Zarin Rhankhel in Sayyidabad district to search for the commander. As the security force approached the area, several suspected insurgents showed hostile intent from one of the targeted compounds. The assault force engaged the threat, killing the men. After securing the compound, the assault force detained one suspected insurgent. At a series of compounds nearby, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning the residents, the assault force identified and detained the commander and three additional suspected insurgents.
“This capture will severely degrade Taliban operations in the Tangi and Shehkabad district. Now one less criminal is on the streets endangering Afghan civilians with his indiscriminate IED attacks,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.
The security force protected the women and children throughout the search.
Press release
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases