2012-09-S-036
KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 23, 2012) — An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban weapons dealer during an operation in Talah wa Barfak district, Baghlan province, today.
 
The detained weapons dealer was a senior Taliban leader in the Talah wa Barfak insurgent network and managed the purchase and distribution of rocket-propelled grenades, heavy machine guns and explosive materials to attack Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the region.
 
At the time of his arrest the Taliban weapons dealer was believed to be acquiring additional firearms and explosives for future insurgent attacks.
 
One armed insurgent was also killed during the operation. As the security force approached the Taliban weapon dealer’s location, an armed insurgent displayed hostile intent towards the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force positively identified the lethal threat and engaged the armed insurgent, killing him. No civilians were harmed during the operation.
 
The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms as a result of this operation.