name: Taliban Commander Targeted in Helmand Operation
text: Taliban Commander Targeted in Helmand Operation
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-09-CA-120 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 11) - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Friday while in pursuit of a Taliban military commander operating in Nawa-ye Barakzai and Marjah districts.  The commander participates in intimidation campaigns and assassinations, including the murder of the Nawa district council chief for supporting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.  Acting on intelligence reports, the security force targeted a series of remote compounds in Nad 'Ali district to search for the commander. Afghan and coalition forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully and then secured the area. After initial questioning at the scene, the security force detained six suspected insurgents. The security force found 50 pounds of wet opium at the scene, which is often trafficked to fund insurgent activity.  The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.