Taliban Deputy Military Commander Targeted in Helmand Overnight
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-263 For Immediate Release Download PDF   KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 24) - Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province overnight while in pursuit of a Taliban military commission member for the Babaji area of Nad 'Ali district.   The commission member is also assessed to be the new deputy military commander for the Lashkar Gah and Narh-e Saraj area.   Based on intelligence reports, the security force targeted a remote compound in Nahr-e Saraj district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force began to clear and secure the compound.   During the initial clearance, the security force encountered a padlocked room within the compound. The security force breached the door and a man hiding inside the room with a blade lunged at the force. The security force pushed him away, but he lunged at them again. At that point, the security force engaged and killed him.   After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining four suspected insurgents. The security force also discovered 50 pounds of wet opium, which is often trafficked to fund the insurgency.   The assault force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

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UPDATE Taliban Deputy Military Commander Captured in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-279 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 25) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed a Taliban military commission member for the Babaji area of Nad 'Ali district was captured during an overnight operation in Helmand province Thursday.   He was also assessed to be the new deputy military commander for the Lashkar Gah and Narh-e Saraj area. Additionally, a newly appointed Taliban military commander for the Babaji area was among those detained during the operation.   "Afghan and coalition forces are consistently targeting Taliban leadership operating in Helmand," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The targeted individual replaced the former deputy commander after he was captured by Afghan-led forces earlier this month. In several areas throughout the country, insurgent commanders don't hold their positions long before they are captured. It's only a matter of time before the leadership of the Taliban are forced to leave Pakistan and join the fight in Afghanistan."   Based on intelligence reports, the security force targeted a remote compound in Nahr-e Saraj district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force began to clear and secure the compound.   After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the commander, who was apprehended in a tree line near the compound, along with his three associates. The security force also discovered 50 pounds of wet opium, which is often trafficked to fund the insurgency.   The assault force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.