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KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 10) – An Afghan National Army led and coalition supported security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Charhar district, Balkh province, today.

The leader plans attacks against Afghan forces and directs insurgents in the placement of bombs throughout the Balkh province.

The security force captured more than 30 suspected insurgents and killed seven insurgent fighters during the operation.

Insurgents used rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire to engage the security force. They also used Afghan civilians as human shields.

The security force seized multiple caches consisting of homemade explosives, pressure-plate bombs, weapons and ammunition. The caches were destroyed on site without incident.