Forces Capture Taliban Facilitator, Destroy Drug Supply in Kandahar
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-090 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 8) – Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban facilitator who operates primarily in the Panjwa’i district, along with several suspected insurgents, during a joint security operation in Kandahar province yesterday.   The Taliban facilitator is directly responsible for coordinating the construction and planning of improvised explosive device and suicide vehicle-borne IED attacks throughout the central part of the province. He has direct contact with other Taliban facilitators in the area. Recent reports indicate he unsuccessfully attempted multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.   Security forces followed leads to a compound in the district where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. The security force conducted a search of the compound where the Taliban facilitator along with several suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning.   The security force found 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) of processed hashish and 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) of unprocessed hashish at the compound. Before leaving the compound the security force destroyed the drugs. Taliban insurgents are known to sell drugs in order to purchase weapons and equipment to fund insurgency.   No women or children were injured or detained during the operation and the security force conducted the operation without firing their weapons.