Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Assassin in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-257 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 22) – Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban assassin in a joint security operation in Helmand province yesterday.   The individual was involved in planning and conducting assassinations targeting Afghan officials in Kandahar city. The now-detained man met with Taliban leadership in Pakistan to coordinate assassinations and attack plans, according to intelligence reports.   Forces detained the attack coordinator at a targeted location in Marjah district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call the occupants out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search.  The security team discovered 400 pounds (180 kilograms) of ammonium nitrate, a key compound often used in homemade explosives, while searching the building. The targeted individual identified himself to authorities during questioning, at which time he was detained.   The joint security team conducted the operation in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were injured or detained during this operation.   The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.