name: 3
text: 2012-10-S-008
  For Immediate Release
   
   
  KABUL, Afghanistan (Oct. 6, 2012)
  Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Taliban leader during a security operation in Zhari district, Kandahar province, Thursday. Mullah Abdul Ghafar Akhund was a Panjwayi-based Taliban leader. During the operation, the security force positively identified Abdul and other militants engaging in insurgent activity in an isolated area away from civilians. The security force conducted a precision airstrike, killing Abdul and two additional insurgents. He is believed to have organized numerous IED attacks and coordinated the movement of weapons and ammunition for use against Afghan and coalition forces. In the days leading to the operation, Abdul was suspected of being involved in an attack against Afghan and coalition forces. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and no property was damaged as a result of the operation.