One Insurgent Killed, Taliban Leader Detained in Balkh Province
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-05-S-051 For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (May 15, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent while capturing a Taliban leader and two of his associates during a security operation in Chimtal district, Balkh province yesterday.  The leader was the deputy governing official for Taliban operations in the district. He served as one of the principal leaders in the district and was the technical IED expert for his attack network. Recent reports indicate he was also involved in the kidnapping of local civilians and acquired weapons for attacks in the district.  Numerous in-depth reports, which indicated the leader’s location, led the combined security force to a site in Chimtal district. Upon arriving at the targeted location, the force observed several suspected insurgents attempting to avoid capture. The force pursued and caught three of the individuals, with one still attempting to flee. Once the force located the insurgent, a pursuit ensued. As the force attempted to detain the insurgent, he responded by demonstrating hostile intent. As a force protection measure, the force engaged him, killing him.  Meanwhile, during the questioning, one of the detainees identified himself as the targeted Taliban leader. He was immediately detained, and the two other individuals were transported for further questioning and possible detention.  Completing the search, the force safely destroyed a rocket propelled grenade launcher a Russian machine gun, an AK-47 assault rifle, and multiple chest racks.  No civilians were harmed during this operation.