Taliban Commander Targeted in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-040 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 3, 2010) – An Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force operation targeted a Taliban leader during an operation yesterday, resulting in several insurgents killed and numerous suspected insurgents detained in Kajaki district, Helmand province.  The Taliban leader is involved in the facilitation of suicide bombers and is an expert in the construction of improvised explosive devices, suicide vests and other explosive components.  As the force arrived at the target location and was en route to the suspected target compound, several insurgents engaged the joint security force with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades. Using precision fire from coalition air assets, the insurgents were killed.  The joint force then surrounded the compound and commenced a call-out in order to allow all the occupants to exit peacefully. As a result, six women and 17 children were protected for the duration of the operation.  Numerous suspected insurgents exited peacefully, and after initial questioning by Afghan authorities, they were detained for further questioning.  Initial reports indicate no civilians were harmed during the operation.