Afghan Forces Capture Suspected Taliban Commander in Northern Helmand
NEWS RELEASE ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-02-CA-108  For Immediate Release

 KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 21) - On Feb. 19, Afghanistan National Security Forces with International Security and Assistance Force partners captured two Taliban insurgents south of Gheysarakeh village, Kajaki, Helmand. One of the captured men is suspected of being a Taliban commander involved with the facilitation of IED components and the planning of Taliban attacks.   Once ANSF and ISAF forces identified the location and vehicle of the suspected Taliban commander, the combined force stopped the vehicle and one of the two suspects surrendered. When the second suspect displayed hostile intent, aimed shots were fired into the vehicle, wounding the man inside.   The wounded man was immediately treated by a medical officer from the combined force, and sent for further medical treatment. Both men are being detained for suspected involvement with IED networks.   This operation was planned as part of Operation Moshtarak and is tied to the operation on Feb. 17 near Wushtan Village, Sangin, which resulted in the capture of three Taliban and 143 detonators. Intent of this operation was to help fracture the supply lines which feed weapons to the Taliban further south.   No civilians were present or involved in the operation.