Taliban Leaders Targeted in Helmand Province
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-199 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) — A joint Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed several insurgents during an operation targeting two Taliban leaders in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, yesterday.   The two Taliban leaders are active in facilitating and conducting attacks against Afghan security forces and ISAF. The first leader has been involved in improvised explosive device facilitation and attacks in Nad ‘Ali district. The other target is a Taliban tactical leader who is active in the emplacement of explosive devices and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.   Upon arrival at the targeted compound, the patrol surrounded the area and Afghan forces conducted a call-out to allow the inhabitants of the compound to exit peacefully. Eleven women and 11 children exited and were protected throughout the operation.   The security force then entered the compound and started clearing the compound. As they were clearing it, the joint force was engaged by numerous armed insurgents. The force returned fire, killing several insurgents. Rifles and a pistol were found during a subsequent search of the area.   One man was detained during the operation and was taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.

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UPDATE: Taliban Leader’s Status Confirmed in Helmand Province
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-240 For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 20, 2010) – The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the death of a targeted Taliban leader during an operation in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Friday.  The targeted individual, Hamas, was a key facilitator of improvised explosive device components and small-arms ammunition. He also helped to plan attacks on Afghan security forces and ISAF.  Upon arrival at the targeted compound, the patrol surrounded the area and Afghan security forces conducted a call-out to allow the inhabitants of the targeted compound to exit peacefully. Eleven women and 11 children exited and were protected throughout the operation.  The security force then entered the compound and started clearing the compound, as they were clearing it, the joint force was engaged by several armed insurgents. The force returned fire, killing several insurgents, one of whom was Hamas. Several rifles and a pistol were found during a search of the area.  One man was detained during the operation and was taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.