name: Forces Detain Key Leader, Link Between Kandahar-Based Taliban Cells
text: Forces Detain Key Leader, Link Between Kandahar-Based Taliban Cells
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-12-S-325 For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 29)   Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspects during a joint security operation including a Taliban leader who is a key link between two of Kandahar province s district cells. The senior leader, operating out of Kandahar province s Panjwa i district, shares multiple associates within various Taliban cells. He is responsible for distributing supplies, kidnappings, the coordinating and planning of attacks, as well as instructing associates on improvised explosive device construction. The targeted individual is associated with both the Zharay-based suicide vehicle-borne IED network and the Kandahar City IED facilitation network. Forces followed leads to a series of buildings in the Kandahar district. The joint forces questioned the occupants at the location and conducted a search where they discovered multiple mortar shells. The shells were destroyed on site to ensure the safety of local Afghans. The suspects were detained based on initial questioning and evidence at the scene. The joint security team conducted the operations in the hours of darkness to minimize the risk to local citizens. No women or children were injured or detained during this operation. The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.