ISAF Confirms Haqqani Leaders Killed During Security Operation
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-04-S-074 For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (April 24, 2011) – The International Security Assistance Force today confirmed three Haqqani network leaders and several other insurgents were killed during a combined Afghan and coalition security operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province, April 22.  Among those killed was the senior Haqqani leader for the Nadir Shah Kot district, Salih Khan. He directed explosive-device attacks, logistics and communications for Haqqani insurgents operating in the area. Over the last week, he led 20 fighters in two separate attacks on coalition forward operating bases.  Salih Khan also directed homemade bomb fabrication training and worked with other Haqqani leaders employing vehicle-borne explosive-device attacks throughout the district.  Also killed during the operation was Salih Khan’s deputy, Sarghai. He worked alongside Salih Khan orchestrating attacks, most notably explosive-devise attacks throughout the district.  The third insurgent killed was a Haqqani leader named Shamour, who was co-located with the other two leaders in a remote compound. According to intelligence reports, he was a trusted member in Khan’s attack cell and was responsible for explosive-device and small-arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.  This year, Afghan and coalition forces have been able to disrupt multiple planned attacks by targeting key Haqqani personnel. The combined force has captured or killed more than 15 Haqqani leaders and over 130 Haqqani insurgents since Jan. 1. More than 90 of these captures were in Khost province.  The Haqqani network primarily operates in the Paktika, Paktiya and Khost provinces. They are responsible for multiple high-level attacks against Afghan government officials, as well as Afghan and coalition forces, including a Dec. 5 suicide-bomb attack on a forward operating base. From their traditional area of operations, multiple Haqqani fighters have led efforts to disrupt Afghan government security efforts within Kabul.