Afghan, Coalition Force Kills Several Insurgents in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command – Afghanistan 2010-10-CA-267 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Oct. 25, 2010) — Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces targeted a senior Taliban leader during a joint operation in Baghran district, Helmand province, Monday.   The targeted senior Taliban leader is a member of the Taliban military commission which oversees and guides all Taliban military actions in Helmand province. He is also the former Taliban deputy shadow governor of Helmand province.   Multiple intelligence reports and tips from local citizens led the combined security force to the senior Taliban facilitator's location. Upon arrival at the suspected location the joint security force immediately took fire from several insurgents in a series of engagements. The joint security force returned fire, killing four insurgents.   After securing the compounds, the Afghan National Security Force conducted a series of call-outs, allowing occupants to exit peacefully. A total of six men, six women and 12 children exited peacefully and were protected.   During the search of the compounds, an improvised explosive device factory was discovered with live IEDs protecting it. Also found in a nearby compound was a large weapons cache, with numerous weapons and associated ammunition, artillery shells, rocket propelled grenades and explosives. The joint security withdrew a safe distance from the compounds and decided to destroy them upon departure in order to render the area safe for local citizens.   As the joint security force was preparing to depart the area, a group of 11 heavily-armed insurgents in three vehicles and six motorcycles approached the joint security force at high speed in an apparent attempt to engage the force. Upon determining the insurgents a threat, close air support assets using precision fire weapons, fired on the approaching insurgents killing all 11 insurgents.   After ensuring that no civilians were in or around the IED factory and the adjacent weapons cache, the joint force called in close air support assets and destroyed them.   After questioning by ANSF, the joint force detained several suspected insurgents.