Australian Special Forces Kill High Value Insurgent in Self Defence
Australian Special Forces Kill High Value Insurgent in Self Defence
Regional Command South Media Release   URUZGAN, Afghanistan (April 30, 2011) - Afghan National Police and Australian Special Forces killed a prominent Taliban weapons facilitator in Uruzgan yesterday.   Members of the Provincial Response Company Uruzgan and the Special Operations Task Group conducted a clearance operation in Tarin Kot to detain Hayat Ustad, a known insurgent.   During the operation, Hayat Ustad drew a pistol and attempted to shoot members of the Australian Special Forces who acted in self defence and killed the insurgent.  Commanding Officer of the SOTG said Hayat Ustad was a key Taliban leader in Uruzgan.   “He was a highly influential insurgent and key logistician with links to the senior insurgent leadership in southern Afghanistan.”   “He was responsible for arms smuggling, transporting weapons and fighters and improvised explosive device facilitation. He was also heavily involved in suicide attack coordination, direction and planning,” the commander said.  The operation was conducted with strict adherence to Australian rules of engagement.