name: Afghan-Led Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand
text: Afghan-Led Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents in Helmand Operations
  ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-048  For Immediate Release Download PDF  A separate security force targeted a compound in remote Marjah district in pursuit of the Nawah-ye Barakzai district commander, who had recently returned from Pakistan. As the assault force approached the compound, three males attempted to escape by maneuvering through a nearby canal but the security force was able to capture them peacefully. After returning to the compound, Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound and then secured the area. The assault force detained several suspected insurgents and found five pounds of wet opium at the scene.  "Afghan and coalition forces are targeting the upper-level Taliban leaders operating in southern Afghanistan and in turn, de-stabilizing their insurgent networks," said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "In the last month we've detained several Taliban commanders in Helmand province and we will continue applying the pressure."  Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons on either operation and they protected the women and children throughout the searches.