ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update, March 9, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-03-S-024 For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (March 9, 2011)  Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader, killed several suspected insurgents and detained one insurgent during an operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province, yesterday.  The leader commanded approximately 80 foreign fighters of Uzbek, Chechen and Tajik descent. His force has received IED training from Uzbekistani nationals and had already placed approximately 20 IEDs in the Burkah district targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He is also involved in the recruitment and training of suicide bombers and is associated with several members of the Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU).  Intelligence reports led the security force to two targeted compounds. Upon arrival at the first compound the security force received fire from multiple locations. An air weapons team gained positive identification of the insurgents firing position and engaged the position killing several insurgents.  Afghan and coalition forces simultaneously arrived at the second compound where they assisted residents in exiting their home while at the same time receiving heavy weapons fire from armed combatants inside the compound.  The residents told the security forces that foreigners had forced themselves into their home and demanded shelter after beating several family members. They said that there were five heavily armed Taliban in the building.  While being fired upon, the security force was able to safeguard the residents. Using precision fire from an air weapons team, the threat within the second compound was neutralized. There were subsequent explosions that emanated from the building.  One suspected insurgent was detained after initial questioning at the scene for involvement in insurgent activity.