Forces Target Taliban Leaders Throughout Afghanistan
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-197 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 18, 2011) — Afghan and coalition forces targeted Taliban leaders in Farah, Kandahar, Nangarhar and Paktiya provinces detaining more than 10 suspected insurgents during four security operations yesterday.  In Farah province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader, detaining several suspected insurgents during a security operation.  The security force targeted the Taliban leader who is involved in acquiring and emplacing improvised explosive devices in Khak-e Safayd and Pusht-e Rod districts. He is subordinate to the district Taliban shadow governor. He was involved with the kidnapping of two local Afghans in the area according to recent reporting.  Security forces followed leads to the target locations in Pusht-e Rod district, where Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search after securing the targeted locations. Several suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the targeted locations. The security force discovered an AK-47, multiple grenades, a chest rack, ammunition and a Taliban night letter.  Night letters are a Taliban weapon used to intimidate local Afghans. The letters, bearing the Taliban letterhead, deliver threats of death and harassment to locals who either refuse to support terrorist efforts or maintain support of coalition efforts, or both.