2012-09-S-024
For Immediate Release


KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 16, 2012) — An Afghan and coalition security force today arrested the Taliban leader responsible for the death of two American service members following a Sept. 5 helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan.

The Taliban commander was successfully taken into custody by the security force following a joint effort by Afghan and coalition forces to identify and track down the Taliban insurgents responsible for the Sept. 5 attack. No civilians were harmed during the operation.

The Taliban leader and his insurgent cell coordinated the attack that downed an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, killing both service members aboard.

The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized improvised explosive device components and Taliban-associated materials during this operation.