Forces Capture Key Improvised Explosive Device Leader in South
Afghan and coalition forces discovered multiple weapons and ammunition during a search for a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in Zabul province, Dec. 12. The cache included chest racks, assault rifles, fragmentary grenades, rocket-propelled-grenade casings and homemade-explosive materials. The facilitator was detained along with two of his associates. (DoD photo)

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-132 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 12) – Afghan and coalition forces detained yet another Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator involved in a series of attacks during a security operation to secure Highway 1 in Zabul province yesterday.  The joint security team detained the targeted individual and two suspects in the Shah Joy district.  The targeted individual is involved with IED emplacement in attempts to attack Afghan and coalition officials. He also planned assassinations and facilitated the movement of money and weapons to further such attacks.  Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call occupants out of the targeted buildings before conducting a search. The security team discovered multiple weapons and ammunition during the search, including chest racks, assault rifles, fragmentary grenades, rocket-propelled-grenade casings and homemade-explosive materials. Forces detained the targeted individual and two additional suspects despite their attempts to flee.  This operation is one of more than half a dozen conducted over the past three weeks in southern Afghanistan’s Shah Joy district to secure Highway 1. The major thoroughfare extends from Kabul, near the Afghanistan, Pakistan border, through the southern provinces and terminates on the Iranian border. Southern Afghan and coalition forces killed a significant Taliban leader, Amarat, and detained nearly 20 suspects in the Shah Joy district since Nov. 18.  The joint security team conducted the operation in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were injured or detained during this operation.  The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.