ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update March 20, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-03-S-069 For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (March 20, 2011)  Afghan and coalition forces targeted four key Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leaders, including the most senior IMU leader and Taliban liason, killing numerous insurgents and detaining one during a security operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province.  The senior leader is responsible for multiple mortar attacks, suicide bombing operations and is assessed to be directly involved with IMU leaders in the region. He has coordinated with other IMU and Taliban leaders in the district to discuss future lethal attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces.  The joint security force, while moving on the objective, received rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire from the insurgents who maneuvered to attack them. The combined security force engaged them, killing several.   The combined security force was then attacked from multiple directions by insurgents armed with RPG’s and machine guns. The combined security force used escalation of force measures, to include the use a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully. The insurgents continued RPG attacks. Based on tactical questioning from an adjacent location, the joint security force was able to assess all personnel in the compound were armed enemy combatants. After gaining positive identification, the security force engaged the enemy positions, called in for close air support, killing more than 10 insurgents.  Security forces recovered several small arms weapons, machine guns, multiple chest racks, grenades, blasting caps, mortar rounds, RPG’s and loose ammunition. All weapons were destroyed by security forces.  There were no civilian casualties or collateral damage reported during this operation.