Afghan and Coalition Force Detains Suspected Insurgents in Helmand   ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-171  For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 15) - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province Saturday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who is responsible for small arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition security forces.  As the joint security force approached the first targeted compound in Nawah-ye Barakzai district, a group of men tried to escape the area. The security force tracked them down and peacefully detained two of the suspected insurgents. After the area was secure, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound peacefully and then cleared the buildings. After questioning the residents, the assault force detained additional suspected insurgents. The security force found wet opium and a shotgun at the scene. A separate security force targeted a different compound in the area. Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound and then cleared the buildings. Several suspected insurgents were detained.   "This was another successful operation by taking more enemies of Afghanistan off the street," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "One by one, we'll continue to remove the enemies until Afghanistan can live in peace."   The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.

---

UPDATE Capture of Taliban Commander Confirmed
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-180  For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 16) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander in Helmand province, who was responsible for ordering small arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and coalition forces.   The commander was among several suspected Taliban insurgents detained during an Afghan and coalition force operation Saturday.   As the joint security force approached the first targeted compound in the remote Nawah-ye Barakzai district, a group of men tried to escape the area. The security force tracked them down and peacefully detained two suspected insurgents. After the area was secure, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound peacefully and then cleared the buildings. After questioning the residents, the assault force detained additional suspected insurgents. The security force found wet opium and a shotgun at the scene.   A separate security force targeted a different compound in the area. Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound and then cleared the buildings. The commander and two additional suspected insurgents were detained at the compound.   The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.  Editor's note: This update is to IJC News Release #2010-08-CA-171