Several Suspected Insurgents Detained by Afghan and Coalition Force in Helmand
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-041  For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (August 5) - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Wednesday during their continued pursuit of the assessed Taliban deputy commander of the Lashkar Gah district, who commands more than 100 fighters.   The security force targeted a compound east of Kharowtan in Nahr-e Saraj district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents, the security force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.   The assault force found an AK-47 with several magazines along with Pakistani money at the scene. Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.   "These operations prevent violent extremists from being able to threaten Afghan sovereignty or maintain safe havens from which they can threaten the security of the Afghan people," said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations center.

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UPDATE Taliban Deputy Commander for Lashkar Gah District Captured
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-161  For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 14) -The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of the Taliban deputy commander of Lashkar Gah district, who commanded more than 100 fighters, during an Afghan-led security force operation in Helmand province Aug. 4.   The security force targeted a compound east of Kharowtan in Nahr-e Saraj district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents, the security force detained the commander along with several additional suspected insurgents. The assault force found an AK-47 with several magazines along with Pakistani money at the scene. Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.   "We're happy to announce another key capture of Taliban leadership operating in southern Afghanistan. These operations prevent violent extremists from being able to threaten Afghan sovereignty or maintain safe havens from which they can threaten the security of the Afghan people," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.     Editor's note: This update is to IJC News Release #2010-08-CA-041