IMU leaders targeted in Samangan
UPDATE: ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update March 11, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-03-S-032 For Immediate Release   KABUL, Afghanistan (March 11) – International Security Assistance Forces conducted a precision air strike targeting two Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leaders in Dara Soof Payan district, Samangan province, yesterday.  A senior IMU leader and liaison to the Taliban network in Kunduz, Bilal Konduzi was involved in the facilitation and planning of suicide operations throughout northern Afghanistan, and maintained contact with other senior IMU leaders, for the purpose of coordinating logistics and personnel in northern Afghanistan.   He maintained significant connections to IMU military leaders in Kunduz, Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakshan provinces. He coordinated weapons transportation and trained suicide bombers for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.  Shad Mohammad, the other leader targeted, was an IMU leader who ran the IMU network in Samangan province. He was also in direct communication with Burkah district-based IMU leaders associated with Mazar-e-Sharif attack planning.  Security forces called in the precision airstrike after receiving intelligence reports that the IMU leaders and other suspected insurgents were isolated in a remote mountainous region of Dara Soof Payan district. The coalition forces ensured no civilians or compounds were in the immediate area.  A follow on force confirmed Konduzi, Mohammad, and four other insurgents were killed during the airstrike.