Taliban leader and two associates detained in Kandahar
Taliban Explosive Device Leader Captured in Kandahar
KABUL, Afghanistan (May 1) – While conducting a security operation in Zharay district, Kandahar province April 28, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered more than 225 electric blasting caps which are used to initiate explosives. (Defense Department photo)
 ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-05-S-002 For Immediate Release  KABUL, Afghanistan (May 1, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and two of his associates, including a recent Sarpoza prison escapee, during a security operation in Zharay district, Kandahar province, yesterday.  The leader is responsible for directing explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Pashmul area, Zharay. His group is responsible for an explosive device attack in the Ushmad area April 22.  After extensive intelligence gathering, the security force targeted the leader’s suspected compound in the district. While isolating the compound, the force observed one suspected insurgent attempting to evade. The force continued with their search of the initial building, then detained the evader. Another evader was also captured during the search.  The force continued searching the buildings and conducting interviews with residents. Based on the information provided by residents, the insurgent leader was identified and detained.  This is the second Taliban explosives expert captured in as many days in Zharay. 