Afghan and Coalition Forces Detain Senior Taliban Leaders in Helmand

ISAF Joint Command- Afghanistan 2011-05-S-086  For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (May 24, 2011) – Afghan and coalition forces confirmed the capture of the suspected senior Taliban leader for Helmand province and his predecessor during a security operation in Babaji district, Helmand province, May 14.   One of the men is accused of being the head of the Taliban provincial commission of Helmand province until the second man recently returned from Pakistan and assumed the role. Both are suspected members of the Quetta Shura.   According to reports, both men ordered the intimidation of the local Afghan population and were in charge of the insurgent justice system in that area. The senior leader also managed military appointments and the supply of weapons and ammunition to conduct attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.   Both men surrendered and were detained, along with several other suspected insurgents with ties to insurgent activities.   During the operation, the force seized 176 pounds (80 kilograms) of opium.   The combined Afghan and coalition force did not fire their weapons during the operation. Women and children were protected throughout.