Afghan, Coalition Force Captures Taliban Leader in Paktiya Overnight
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-165 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 15, 2010) – Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban leader during a security operation in Paktiya province last night.  The Taliban leader was involved in the suicide bombing attack on Forward Operating Base Lightning earlier this month which resulted in the deaths of two coalition forces soldiers and seriously wounded four Afghan civilians.  “This individual was the third Taliban leader detained in connection to the FOB Lightning attack,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Hynes, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “We will not let these terrorist attacks go without justice. We will continue to track down and capture those responsible for this attack before they can strike again.”   He also received reports from and provided guidance to subordinates in Gardez district of Paktiya province and Pul-e Alam district of Logar. Additionally, he handled financial matters for the Taliban network and manages supplies.  The security force received intelligence tips that the targeted individual was hiding in a Gardez Mosque in order to avoid capture. Afghan National Army personnel, in conjunction with coalition forces, located the individual hiding alone, in the Mosque. After numerous attempts by Afghan forces to call the insurgent out of the Mosque without entering, the Afghan soldiers entered the mosque without coalition forces and apprehended the suspect with no shots being fired.  Great care was taken by the Afghan Army in order to protect the sanctity of the religious site.