Security Force Detains Suspected IED Operatives in Paktika
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-168  For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 15) - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Paktika province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who conducts improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces.   A coalition force air weapons team engaged two motorcycles after witnessing a group of insurgents placing an IED on a populated road known as being an IED hotbed. The group escaped the engagement, but the air weapons team followed the motorcycles to nearby compounds. A follow-on ground force went to the compounds in Mota Khan district in pursuit of the IED operatives. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning the residents, the security force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning. The security force found both of the motorcycles at the compounds. The first carried several rocket-propelled grenades and IED materials, including blasting caps, voltage meters and spools of wire. The second motorcycle carried an RPG round with booster and IED wire.   "We caught this group in the act yesterday," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The insurgents indiscriminate use of these weapons is putting Afghan civilians at risk. We're making every effort to pursue these criminals and protect the Afghan people."

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UPDATE Taliban Sub ommander captured in Paktika
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-178    KABUL, Afghanistan (August 16) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban sub-commander who conducts improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.   The commander was among several suspected insurgents detained during an Afghan and coalition force operation in Paktika province Saturday.   The operation began when a coalition force air weapons team engaged two motorcycles after witnessing a group of insurgents placing an IED on a populated road known as an IED hotbed. The group escaped the engagement, but the air weapons team followed the motorcycles to nearby compounds.  A follow-on ground force went to the compounds in Mota Khan district in pursuit of the IED operatives. Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning the residents, the security force detained the commander and five additional suspected insurgents.   The security force found both of the motorcycles at the compounds. The first carried several rocket-propelled grenades and IED materials, including blasting caps, voltage meters and spools of wire. The second motorcycle carried an RPG round with booster and IED wire.    Editor's note: This update is to IJC News Release 2010-08-CA-168.