Forces Destroy Bunker Complex while Targeting Taliban Leader
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-063 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 6) – Coalition forces destroyed a Taliban bunker complex during an Afghan and coalition security operation targeting a Taliban leader in Panjwa’i district detaining numerous suspected insurgents in Kandahar province yesterday.   The Taliban leader is responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and weapons facilitation within Panjwa’i, Dand and Zharay districts. He has direct contact with other Taliban leaders operating in the Kandahar province.   A security force followed intelligence reports to a compound in the district to search for the senior leader. Afghan forces conducted the callout for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before conducting a search. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained several suspected insurgents.   A second security force targeted a separate compound also in the district. Again, Afghan forces conducted the callout for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before conducting a search. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained several additional suspected insurgents.   While securing the area, the security force found a Taliban bunker complex. After determining there was no other option to render the facility unusable, the security force called in a precision air strike on the bunker to eliminate the Taliban from using the bunker again.   Historically, Taliban bunkers are used as safe havens and to store weapons, IEDs and IED making material and ammunition.   The security force protected the women and children for the duration of the operation and conducted the operation without firing their weapons.

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UPDATE: ISAF Confirms Capture of Taliban Leader
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-145 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 13) – International Security Assistance Force confirmed a Taliban leader was detained during an Afghan and coalition operation in Panjwa’i district of Kandahar province Jan. 5.  The Taliban leader is responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and weapons facilitation within Panjwa’i, Dand and Zharay districts. He has direct contact with other Taliban leaders operating in the Kandahar province.  -30-  This is an update to IJC News Release #2011-01-S-063