Forces Capture Haqqani Network Commander Involved in Attacks
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-324 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 29) - Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani Network commander involved in Saturday's attacks on Forward Operating Bases Salerno and Chapman in Khost province. The security force also detained two additional insurgents during the operation.   Acting on intelligence tips, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a compound south of Bakhtanah in Sabari district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then secured the area. After questioning the residents at the scene, the security force detained the commander and two additional insurgents. The security force also found multiple automatic weapons at the scene.   Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 30 Haqqani Network insurgents, thwarting a planned attack in which at least 13 insurgents wearing suicide vests, attempted to storm FOBs Salerno and Chapman early Saturday. Additionally, Afghan and coalition forces recovered eight recoilless rifles and 26 grenades along with multiple automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades . There were no Afghan or coalition forces killed in the unsuccessful attack.   Following the attacks, coalition forces conducted a precision air strike on a vehicle occupied by three Haqqani Network fighters after they attempted to attack FOB Salerno. Mudasir, a Haqqani suicide bomber and improvised explosive device facilitator, was killed in the strike along with two additional insurgents. Mudasir, who is also known as Qari Ishaq, had direct ties to key Haqqani Network senior leadership based in Pakistan and was a teacher at a madrassa known to facilitate suicide bombers.   Afghan and coalition forces also successfully secured and destroyed a truck full of explosives, which was planned to be used as a vehicle-borne IED during the attack.  "Afghan and coalition forces easily thwarted every attempt by the Haqqani terrorists to infiltrate our bases. The Haqqani Network claims to be the most experienced insurgent group currently operating in Afghanistan, however, with the success of the Afghan and coalition offensive operations, it's apparent they lack the capability to influence the progress of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "While it cost the insurgents an exorbitant amount of combat resources to conduct these attacks, the fighters were engaged and killed before they could even come close to executing their plans. On the other hand, coalition forces only lost a few hours of sleep and some bullets."  "We'll continue to pursue those responsible for these attacks and others like them, Torres continues. "In my opinion, these fighters should stop listening to their leaders, who are living comfortable lives across the border in Pakistan, lay down their weapons and re-integrate with GiRoA, before they are killed or captured in future attacks."