ISAF Joint Command Evening Operational Update, Feb. 11, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-02-S-077 For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 11, 2011) – A joint Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed a Taliban leader and facilitator in Musa Qualah district, Helmand province, Feb. 9.  Several insurgents were also killed and a number of weapons were secured during the operation.  The target, Haji Khalil was a Taliban leader who planned and participated in direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan security forces and ISAF, as well as supplying Taliban leaders in Helmand with heavy machine guns.  Intelligence reports and tips from local citizens led the joint patrol to a compound associated with the target. As they approached the site, an armed insurgent threatened the patrol as was killed with aimed shots. Immediately following the engagement, a long burst of automatic gunfire was heard coming from another building. As the patrol moved into the building they saw four men who had been shot and killed sprawled on the floor and two armed men at the back of the room. When the men attempted to engage the patrol they were killed with precise shots. It is unclear why the men were killed before the patrol entered the room.  The joint force moved to another building inside the compound and the Afghan forces initiated a call-out. Three men, six women and nine children exited the building. The women and children were protected by the force while one of the men was sent back into the building to move the curtains so the force could see into the building. When the man exited, he attempted to engage the force with a rifle. As he posed a threat, he was shot and killed.  During a search of the area, the patrol discovered four AK-47 rifles and associated ammunition.  One man was detained during the operation. He was taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.