name: Taliban Leader Targeted
text: Taliban Leader Targeted ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-349  For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 30) - Multiple intelligence reports and tips from local citizens led a combined Afghan National Security Force and coalition force to target a senior Taliban leader in Helmand Province, today.  As the patrol arrived at the target location, they were immediately engaged by three insurgents. The Afghan and coalition forces returned fire, killing the attackers. After securing the compound, Afghan and coalition forces attempted to call out any additional insurgent and/or civilians, but were unsuccessful. Afghan and coalition forces then forcibly entered the compound. During the search they again came under fire by a lone insurgent, who was hiding within the building. The insurgent was killed in the ensuing fire fight.  "This operation will help to keep the pressure on the regional facilitation group taht are attempting to ramp things up before the elections," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.  "We will do everything in our power to make sure the Afghan elections are carried out safely without Taliban influence."