Taliban Commander, IED Facilitator Captured in Paktiya
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-052 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 5) - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban commander and facilitator in Paktiya province Saturday.   The commander was linked to an improvised explosive device attack that killed four U.S. soldiers on Highway 1 this week, while the facilitator was also involved in IED attacks.   Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound in Lewan in Gardez district, to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area.   After questioning all the residents, the security force identified and detained the commander, facilitator and two of their associates.   The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.

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UPDATE: Logar-based Taliban Leaders Captured
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-062 For Immediate Release
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 KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 6) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed another key capture during an Afghan and coalition security force operation in Paktiya province Saturday.   The operation resulted in the capture of Abdul Baqi, a Logar-based Taliban sub-commander responsible for command-wire improvised explosive device attacks.   Additionally, the security force captured Mullah Khalil, another Taliban commander, and Qari Habibullah, a Taliban facilitator, which ISAF announced in a previous release.   The group is linked to several IED attacks including one that killed four US soldiers on Highway 1 August 31.   "Sources in Logar indicate Taliban leadership there tried to hide the fact that three of their leaders were indeed captured and worried how the captures would affect their Logar group," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "However, they were readily identified by Afghan and coalition forces, and now can be prosecuted for their crimes against Afghanistan."   Acting on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound in Lewan in Gardez district, and searched the area. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning all the residents, the security force identified and detained the commanders, facilitator and another insurgent, who admitted to participating in attacks against Forward Operating Base Shank.   "This was another extremely successful Afghan-led operation. This operation not only brought to justice dangerous individuals directly involved with coalition force deaths, but it severely degraded the Taliban network leadership in Logar province," said Torres. "We'll continue targeting this network until safety and security are realities for the Logar residents."   The assault force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.