name: Taliban Network in Helmand Targeted, Suspected Insurgents Detained
text: Taliban Network in Helmand Targeted, Suspected Insurgents Detained
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-243 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 22) - Afghan and coalition security forces apprehended several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Tuesday while in pursuit of a Taliban commander operating in Marjah. The Taliban commander also facilitates supplies for area fighters.  In their ongoing efforts to disrupt Taliban operations in Helmand province, the security force used intelligence tips to target a remote compound in Marjah district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound.  After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force detained three suspected insurgents. The security force also found 45 pounds of wet opium, which is often illegally trafficked to fund the insurgency.  The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.
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  UPDATE Marjah-Based Taliban Commander Captured
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-253  For Immediate Release Download PDF KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 23) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban commander operating in Marjah. The Taliban commander, who also facilitated supplies for area fighters, was captured during an Afghan and coalition operation in Helmand province Tuesday.  In their ongoing efforts to disrupt Taliban operations in Helmand province the security force used intelligence tips to target a remote compound in Marjah district to search for the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force detained the commander and two of his associates.  The security force also found 45 pounds of wet opium, which is often illegally trafficked to fund the insurgency.  The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.  This is an update to IJC News Release #2010-09-CA-243