Forces Target Insurgent Network Leaders in Khost, Ghazni
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-249 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 22, 2011) – Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Haqqani Network facilitator, detaining several combatants and killing numerous armed combatants during an operation in Khost province yesterday.  The Haqqani Network facilitator operates in Sabari district of Khost province where he directly facilitates the movement of improvised explosive devices, mortars and various other weapons across the district. He has direct ties with other Haqqani Network leaders in the province. The targeted facilitator was in possession of multiple weapons and IEDs that he planned to transport and store at another insurgent’s location according to recent reporting.  Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound in Sabari district. As the joint security force arrived at the compound, armed combatants shot at them with rocket propelled grenades and machine guns. The security force returned fire, resulting in several armed combatants being killed.  The security force encountered numerous armed combatants throughout the compound who engaged the force with RPGs, machine guns and small arms fire. The security force returned fire resulting in several more armed combatants being killed.  While clearing one of the buildings, several women informed the security force there were armed combatants in the building. The security force called out the armed combatants who had been wounded in the initial engagement. A coalition medical technician provided medical care to both of the injured combatants who were evacuated for further medical attention.  After the compound was secure, security forces discovered an Afghan child was killed, as well as two women and a child were wounded during the five-hour-long engagement. The coalition medical technician provided on-scene medical attention for the women and child.  “Afghan and coalition forces take every precaution to ensure the safety and security of the Afghan people during security operations. The insurgents fired on Afghan and coalition forces in the vicinity of civilians, including women and children, without regard to their safety,” said U.S. Col. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “ISAF’s thoughts and concerns are with the family of the child and we hope the two injured women and child recover quickly.”  After the compound was secure numerous suspected combatants were detained based on initial questioning at the scene and their involvement in insurgent activities. Security forces recovered a machine gun, multiple RPGs and launchers, numerous AK-47s, chest racks, a suicide vest, an IED and ammunition from the scene. A key leader engagement was conducted with local officials by the Afghan National Army to explain the purpose of the mission and allay any concerns of the local villagers.

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UPDATE: ISAF Confirms Death of Detained Insurgent
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-11-S-261 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 23, 2011) — The International Security Assistance Force confirmed an insurgent died at an ISAF medical facility today from wounds received after engaging in a firefight with coalition forces during an operation in Khost province Jan. 21.   The man was one of two armed combatants who were injured during the operation. Both received on-scene medical care from a coalition medical technician and then were evacuated for further medical attention. The deceased insurgent had been under medical treatment at the ISAF medical facility since the medical evacuation.   Afghan and coalition forces were searching for a Haqqani Network facilitator who operates in Sabari district of Khost province and has direct ties with other Haqqani Network leaders in the province. He directly facilitates the movement of improvised explosive devices, mortars and various other weapons across the district. Recent reporting indicates he was in possession of multiple weapons and IEDs he planned to transport and store at another insurgent’s location.