Regional Command North
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan (July 17, 2011) – Members of 3rd Company, 5th Commando Kandak, conducted operations in Sufi Qut village, Qal’ eh ye Zal district, July 12, which resulted in the discovery of counterfeit money and the detention of four insurgents.

The Commandos, advised by coalition Special Operations Forces, conducted the search operations to disrupt insurgent activity and reduce future threats to the area.

During the operations, the combined forces received information regarding an insurgent commander residing in the area. They immediately conducted a search and discovered a man who identified himself as an insurgent sub-commander.

An hour later, the combined forces discovered an insurgent commander, who also positively identified himself and other inhabitants in the building. In the past, this particular insurgent commander ordered the execution of two local police as they were walking home from their combat outposts. He also faces charges of conducting an improvised explosive device attack against Afghan National Police officers causing injury to five police officers and organizing an ambush on Afghan Local Police candidates, resulting in seven wounded police trainees.

The combined forces continued the search and discovered two more suspected insurgents. One was in possession of $2500 worth of counterfeit U.S. bills. The suspect initially stated it was from the sale of a car. The Commando Kandak commander later stated it was used to pay suicide bombers.

“This operation led to an increase in security for the local people residing in Sufi Qut village, due to the removal of several insurgents who were operating in the area,” said a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan.

The four suspected insurgents are currently in the custody of the Commandos, pending further investigation.