name: Security Force Targets Taliban Commander in Zabul
text: Security Force Targets Taliban Commander in Zabul ISAF Joint Command-Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-255 For Immediate Release Download PDF
   KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 22) - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in Zabul Saturday in pursuit of a Taliban commander who leads improvised explosive device and small arms fire attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces.  During the course of the operation, two insurgents were killed.  The security force targeted a compound in the village of Mar Bolag in Shah Joy district to search for the commander. As they approached, an air weapons team observed two armed insurgents demonstrating hostile intent. The air weapons team engaged, killing the men.  During a follow-on inspection of the area, the security force found an automatic weapon with four magazines and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two rounds. After the area was secure, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the targeted compound peacefully and then questioned the residents. The residents told the security force that insurgents steal their food and then bed down in the vicinity.  "This is a common complaint we are hearing during operations such as this," U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director, said. "The insurgents are criminals - intimidating, stealing from and killing innocent people. Our joint security forces will continue to pursue those responsible and bring them justice."  The security force did not take detainees from the compound and they protected the women and children throughout the duration of the search.
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  UPDATE: Taliban Commander Among Insurgents Killed in Zabul Province
   2010-08-CA-269 For Immediate Release
  KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 23) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed Saad Khan, a Taliban commander, was one of the two insurgents killed during an Afghan and coalition force operation Friday.  Khan lead improvised explosive device and small arms fire attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and coalition forces.  The security force targeted a compound in the village of Mar Bolag in Shah Joy district Friday to search for the commander. As they approached, an air weapons team observed two armed insurgents demonstrating hostile intent.  The air weapons team engaged, killing the commander and his associate. During a follow-on inspection of the area, the security force found an automatic weapon with four magazines and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two rounds.  After the area was secure, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the targeted compound peacefully and then questioned the residents. The residents told the security force that insurgents steal their food and then bed down in the vicinity. The security force did not take detainees from the compound.