Key Taliban Commander Targeted in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-091 For Immediate Release
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KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 8) - Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander who is a key facilitator of weapons and supplies for other Taliban commanders operating in northern Helmand.   Afghan and coalition forces targeted a compound south of the village of Pani Famili in Nad 'Ali district to search for the commander. Afghan and coalition forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then secured the area. The security force detained the insurgents after questioning the residents on scene.   "Afghan and coalition forces remain committed in southern Afghanistan as they work toward stabilizing the region by capturing or killing the Taliban leadership in Nad 'Ali district," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We will pursue these insurgents who threaten a peaceful existence for the law-abiding citizens of Helmand."   The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.
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UPDATE: Capture of key Taliban commander in Helmand confirmed
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-103 For Immediate Release Download PDF

KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 9) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander who is a key facilitator of weapons and supplies for other Taliban commanders operating in northern Helmand.   Afghan and coalition forces captured the commander during an overnight operation in Helmand province Tuesday.   Afghan and coalition forces targeted a compound south of the village of Pani Famili in Nad 'Ali district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then secured the area. The security force then detained the commander and two of his associates after questioning the residents on scene.   "Afghan and coalition forces will maintain a constant presence in southern Afghanistan as they work toward stabilizing the region," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those attempting to prevent a peaceful existence for the law-abiding citizens of Helmand."   The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.