ISAF Joint Command- Afghanistan
2011-06-S-082
For Immediate Release 

KABUL, Afghanistan (June 25, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader and killed one Afghan during a security operation in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, yesterday. 

The Afghan-led security force searched a compound for the leader when they encountered one individual armed with an AK-47 rifle. The force called for the man to lay down his weapon and he complied. 

While in the process of laying down his weapon, another individual ran out of the compound carrying a bulky vest. The force, assessing a suicide vest, engaged the individual, resulting in his death. After the engagement, the security force assessed the vest to be a chest rack with multiple AK-47 magazines. 

The force then moved to capture the leader. He was targeted after receiving several intelligence reports he was involved with the Taliban. He was appointed as the commissioner in charge of transportation, logistics and finance for Taliban leaders and fighters within central Helmand. 

After interviewing residents, the force detained the leader and one of his associates.