Afghan, Coalition Force Target Haqqani Leader in Paktiya Province
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-05-S-011 For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (May 4, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted a security operation in Zurmat district, Paktiya province, yesterday, searching for a Haqqani network leader who had intended to attack the Paktiya governor.  During the operation, insurgents engaged the security force and the Afghan and coalition force responded. The battle resulted in numerous insurgents killed, one civilian killed, and several civilians wounded.  Intelligence reports and numerous sources said the Haqqani leader’s attack on the Paktiya governor was imminent. The leader commands fighters, provides tactical guidance and weapons and plans attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the district.  The security force conducted a search for the leader at a compound in the district. After isolating the area, the force was engaged by multiple insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and assault rifles. The force responded to the immediate threat by returning fire.  Once the firing subsided, the force called for all occupants to exit the building before the insurgents re-engaged the force. As a force protection measure, the force fell back and called in air support to suppress the enemy fire. Numerous insurgents were killed and one was wounded during the engagement.  Upon entering and securing the compound, it was discovered one Afghan woman was killed and seven civilians were injured, including three women and four children, during the battle. All injured personnel were treated on-scene and then transported to a medical facility for further care.  "Here's another example of the insurgents' complete disregard for human life. Again, they chose to initiate violence against Afghan and coalition forces with Afghan civilians present despite their promise to protect civilians," said Rear Adm. Hal Pittman, ISAF deputy chief of staff for communication. "It's time insurgents are held accountable."