name: Taliban Commander Captured in Kandahar
text: Taliban Commander Captured in Kandahar
   ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-170  For Immediate Release Download PDF  KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 15) - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province Saturday, including a Taliban commander operating in the Panjwa'i district.  The commander provided guidance and direction to Taliban fighters conducting improvised explosive device attacks and ambushes against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. The security force targeted a compound north of the village of Gari in Kandahar district to search for the commander. Afghan forces called for all residents to exit the compound peacefully and then secured the area. The assault force detained the commander and one additional suspected insurgent after questioning the residents.  "Every time we capture one of these commanders, we reduce the ability of the insurgents to operate successfully," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The successful operation and others like it will lead to greater security and safety for Afghans." The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.