Afghan Led Force kills One, Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-07-CA-180  For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (July 26) - An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and detained several other suspected insurgents in Helmand province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban bomb maker who profits from the trafficking of improvised explosive device (IED) materials, weapons, and ammunition throughout the province. The Taliban bomb maker also commands his own group of fighters and orders IED attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.   The joint security force targeted a series of remote compounds in Nar-e Saraj district searching for this Taliban bomb maker. At each compound, Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the compound.   At one of the compounds, an individual attempted to hide underneath a foot bridge in the area. The security force verbally called for him to surrender. The security force continued to use escalation of force procedures, however, the man was non-compliant and demonstrated hostile intent toward the combined force. The security force then engaged and killed him. Upon further inspection by the security force, one rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and two rockets were found near the man.   After securing the area, the security force questioned the residents and detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning. The women and children were protected throughout the search.   "Recent statistics show that 30 percent of all casualties from IED attacks in Afghanistan are innocent civilians," said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We are surgically removing those responsible."