name: Taliban Commander Targeted in Precision Air Strike
text: Taliban Commander Targeted in Precision Air Strike
   Download PDF 2010-08-CA-262 For Immediate Release
  KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 23) - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Paktiya province Sunday, targeting a Taliban sub-commander.  The commander is responsible for leading a 20-person insurgent cell that conducts improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.  Coalition forces tracked two armed insurgents as they travelled on a motorcycle in remote Zurmat district. After intelligence verified insurgent activity and ensured no women or children were present, coalition forces conducted the precision air strike against the two insurgents, killing both. Both insurgents had AK-47s and nine magazines between them.  International Security Assistance Force is still collecting information to determine if the commander was among the insurgents killed in the strike. No civilians were wounded or killed. "We will continue to target those standing in the way of progress and stability for the Afghan populace," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "These individuals are dangerous insurgents bringing violence to Afghan neighborhoods."