ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update Feb. 17, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-02-S-118 For Immediate Release   Security patrols wrap up several leaders, facilitators, destroy narcotics   KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 17)  Afghan and coalition forces completed a deliberate clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s freedom of movement, detaining two IED facilitators and several suspected insurgents in Nalsham village of Zharay district, Kandahar province yesterday.   The two facilitators were responsible for providing, constructing and emplacing pressure-plate IEDs for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the area. Intelligence reports led the joint security force to the targeted compounds, where Taliban cells conduct complex ambushes against Afghan and coalition patrols on a daily basis. The area has numerous insurgent supply lines, staging zones, engagement areas, patrol routes, weapons caches and safe houses. The insurgents have a communication structure, along with a command and control structure on the outskirts of the village.  Forces cleared more than 30 buildings suspected of being used in insurgent activity in the area. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the areas. The two facilitators identified themselves as the targeted insurgents and were detained. Several additional suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the scene. Two tons of narcotics were discovered and destroyed by the security force.