name: Several suspected insurgents killed in Helmand
text: ISAF Joint Command Evening Operational Update March 18, 2011
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-03-S-063 For Immediate Release KABUL, Afghanistan (March 18, 2011)   Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces killed several suspected insurgents during a combined operation to detain a known insurgent leader in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The insurgent leader, Mullah Zahir, is a weapons and improvised explosive devices facilitator who carried out several attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in Gereshk district. During the detention operation, Afghan and coalition forces declared an imminent threat on several suspected insurgents opposing the operation. After gaining positive identification, combined forces engaged the suspected insurgents with aimed shots, killing several. Mullah Zahir was among the killed insurgents. The children and women present at the compound were protected throughout the operation.