Afghan, Coalition Force Foils Suicide Bomber Attack in Khost
Afghan, Coalition Force Foils Suicide Bomber Attack in Khost
 Download PDF 2010-08-CA-286 For Immediate Release
KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 26) - Afghan and coalition security forces continued their pursuit of Haqqani Network leadership Wednesday - detaining several insurgents in Khost province while in pursuit of a senior Haqqani Network commander.  The commander coordinates and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, including suicide bombings. Intelligence sources indicated the group was gathering for an upcoming complex attack consisting of suicide bombers and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in the area.  The security force targeted a series of compounds in Khost district to search for the commander, who is also responsible for the transportation of weapons and supplies for attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully, and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents at the scene, the security force detained the insurgents.  "Senior Haqqani leadership is not willing to directly lead their forces from the front in Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "They are comfortable and safe in Pakistan, effectively recruiting foreign fighters and coordinating the delivery of weapons which are used against the Afghan citizens, Afghan and coalition forces."  The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

UPDATE Capture of Haqqani Senior Commander in Khost Confirmed
 Download PDF 2010-08-CA-297 For Immediate Release
KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 27) - The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a senior Haqqani Network commander during an Afghan and coalition security force operation Wednesday.  The commander coordinates and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, including suicide bombings.  The commander was among several insurgents detained after intelligence sources assessed the group was gathering for an upcoming complex attack consisting of suicide bombers and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in the area.  During the operation Wednesday, the security force targeted a series of compounds in Khost district to search for the commander, who is also responsible for the transportation of weapons and supplies for attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces.  Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully, and then secured the area. After questioning all of the residents at the scene, the security force detained the insurgents.  The security force did not fire their weapons and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.