Haqqani, Taliban-affiliated Senior Leader Captured in Baghlan
Haqqani, Taliban-affiliated Senior Leader Captured in Baghlan
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-11-S-232 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Nov. 19, 2010) – An Afghan and coalition security force captured a key Haqqani facilitator, who served as a liaison between Haqqani and Taliban operatives in northern Afghanistan, during an operation in Baghlan province last night.   The facilitator was reportedly in contact with Pakistan-based senior leadership from both insurgent groups and was a top target for Afghan and coalition forces.   “The Haqqani Network relied on the facilitator to help expand their operations from eastern Afghanistan to the northern part of the country,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “His capture should degrade their connections to the north, possibly dismantling their attempted expansion.”   Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a series of compounds in Baghlan-e Jadid district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compounds peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the area.  Initial questioning at the scene helped identify the targeted individual, who was detained along with six of his associates. The security force also discovered and destroyed an automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade launcher at the scene.   The assault force conducted the operation with no shots fired and they ensured the safety of the women and children throughout the search.