Afghan-Led Security Force Captures Another Haqqani Commander in Khost
Afghan-Led Security Force Captures Another Haqqani Commander in Khost
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-08-CA-016  For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 2) - An Afghan and coalition security force continued to target Haqqani Network insurgents operating in the Khost-Gardez (K-G) Pass last night, this time focusing on a senior Haqqani commander who reportedly received approximately 120 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for planned attacks during the upcoming elections.  During the operation last night, the security force targeted a compound west of the village of Alu Kheyl to search for the commander. Afghan forces, acting on intelligence reports, quickly entered the compounds while coalition forces kept the area secured.  After initial questioning on the scene, the security force detained the commander and suspected insurgents. Afghan and coalition forces did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children throughout the search.  The security force detained the commander, who is reportedly in charge of more than 25 fighters, and several additional suspected insurgents without incident during the operation.  "This is the second time in two weeks that a senior Haqqani leader operating in the K-G Pass was successfully targeted by Afghan and coalition forces," said Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "This demonstrates our resolve to protect the population against the brutal and indiscriminate activities that characterize Haqqani's influence."  Last week coalition forces conducted several precision strikes against the senior Haqqani Network commander for K-G Pass. At least a dozen Haqqani insurgents died in the strikes, but Afghan and coalition forces are still gathering information to confirm the commander's fate. It is unclear if he is dead or if he abandoned his comrades. The commander was responsible for the overall command and control of all Haqqani and foreign fighter camps in the area.  "The Haqqani Network is quite possibly the most prevalent insurgent threat in Afghanistan right now," said Torres. "The facilitation of more than 100 IEDs to be used against the Afghan civilians during the elections next month proves the Haqqani Network is not interested in establishing peace in Afghanistan. We will continue to target these dangerous individuals, who threaten the future of Afghanistan."