Forces Target Taliban Leaders in Wardak, Kandahar Provinces
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-163 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 15, 2011)  In Kandahar province yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader who operates out of Maiwand district detaining numerous suspected insurgents during a security operation.  The Taliban leader is responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces as well as the movement of weapons and IED components. He has direct ties to other Taliban leaders in Kandahar province. Recent reporting indicates he conducted over watch on a possible IED attack and had insurgents prepare two IEDs for an upcoming attack.  Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where they secured the area and conducted a search. The security force detained the suspected insurgents after initial questioning at the scene. The security force recovered an AK-47, a grenade, a pistol, 20 pounds (9 kilograms) wet opium and ammunition.  The security force conducted the operation in Kandahar without firing their weapons. No women or children were injured or detained during the operation.

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UPDATE: ISAF Confirms Capture of Taliban Leader in Kandahar
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-175  For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 16) - International Security Assistance Force confirmed a Taliban leader who operates out of Maiwand district was detained during an Afghan and coalition operation in Kandahar province Jan. 14.   The Taliban leader was responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces as well as the movement of weapons and improvised explosive device components. He has direct ties to other Taliban leaders in Kandahar province. Recent reporting indicates he conducted over watch on a possible IED attack and had insurgents prepare two IEDs for an upcoming attack.