Leading Taliban Facilitator Killed in Afghan Operation
NEWS RELEASE ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan  2010-02-CA-142  For Immediate Release

 KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 28) - Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) with International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) partners killed a Taliban commander in Northern Helmand February 20th. He was involved with the facilitation of improvised explosive device (IED) components and the planning of Taliban attacks.   When ANSF forces approached the compound in which the commander was located, he displayed hostile intent with a deadly weapon directed at the ANSF. He was subsequently killed.   Two other men from the compound were detained on suspicion of IED network involvement.   Planned as part of Operation Moshtarak, this operation took place 7 kilometers Northwest of Malmand Chinah Bazaar, Sangin, Helmand province, and is tied to two other operations which resulted in the capture of five Taliban and 143 detonators. The intent of this operation was to help fracture the supply lines which feed weapons to the Taliban further south.   There were five women and six children in the compound who were protected throughout the operation. No civilians were injured in the operation.