KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 03) 

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Nahr-E Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader was a Taliban-appointed deputy and head of the insurgent group’s military commission in Badghis province. The captured leader arranged large-scale attacks, distributed weapons and collected taxes. He represented both the Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan groups and was responsible for coordinating insurgent activities in Badghis and Faryab province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.