ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update May 28, 2011

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-05-S-104 For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (May 28, 2011) In Sar-e Pul district, Sar-e Pul province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several Taliban insurgents and detained two others during a security operation yesterday.  The combined security force was in the district conducting a search for a senior Taliban leader when they were attacked by armed insurgents. The initial attack came as the Afghan-led force secured the targeted compound. There, an armed individual opened fire on the force, prompting them to returned fire and kill him.  The force secured the targeted compound and an Afghan member of the force called for all occupants to exit. The force secured the safety of all women and children. During the search, they noticed another group of individuals moving were trying to evade capture by hiding in a nearby tree line. The force called for the individuals to depart the tree line peacefully. However, the force noticed the armed men preparing to attack them instead. An engagement ensued, resulting in two insurgents killed and two insurgents detained.  The Afghan-led force was pointed to the targeted compound by intelligence tips, which indicated the area was a suspected hide-out for the targeted leader.  The leader is the Taliban appointed deputy governor for Balkh province, and he organizes attacks against Afghan National Security Forces. He also coordinates IED acquisition, construction and emplacement. Additionally, he facilitates small arms purchases, transport and employment.  The force discovered and safely destroyed a weapons cache consisting of several rocket propelled grenades and boosters, AK-47 assault rifles and chest racks.  No civilians were harmed as a result of this engagement.