name: Partnered Security Force Targets Helmand Taliban Military Commander
text: Partnered Security Force Targets Helmand Taliban Military Commander
   ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-236  For Immediate Release KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 20) - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Helmand province Thursday while in pursuit of a Taliban military commander with direct ties to Taliban senior leadership based in Pakistan.  The security force targeted a remote compound in Lashkar Gah district in pursuit of the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker calling for all occupants to exit the buildings and then cleared the compound. After questioning the residents, the security force detained the suspected insurgents. The security force found an AK-47 with three loaded magazines, along with Taliban propaganda at the scene.  "We've had success recently targeting Taliban leadership operating in Helmand province," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We've captured six Taliban leaders along with more than 60 suspected insurgents since August 1."  The assault force did not fire their weapons on this operation and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.
   