Afghan and Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Destroy Narcotics and Explosives
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-046  For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (August 5) - Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) with International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) partners conducted an operation today in the Sangin district of Helmand province, killing four insurgents and destroying narcotics and explosives.   The security force targeted a compound on the northeast of Sangin to search for an insurgent commander who is a key coordinator of Taliban operations in northern Helmand. He ran the daily operations at an improvised explosive device (IED) factory in Sangin, making him a key figure within the substantial IED network that exists in this area.   Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and secured the area. Women and children were protected throughout the operation. Drugs, explosives and weapons were discovered and destroyed at the scene.   "The removal of this commander will have a significant disruptive effect on the command and coordination of Taliban elements throughout northern Helmand," said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "GIRoA will continue to actively hunt down these criminals whose main goal is to cause misery to the local Afghans and target coalition forces."   No civilians were harmed in this operation.