AQ facilitator captured in Balkh
ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update June 2, 2011
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-06-S-005
KABUL, Afghanistan (June 2, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured an al Qaida facilitator during an overnight security operation in Nahr-e Shahi district, Balkh province, yesterday.

The facilitator was a Pakistan-based attack planner and a close associate of senior al Qaida insurgents. He is a former associate of Osama Bin Laden and it’s suspected he was with Bin Laden in Afghanistan in 2001. 

The Afghan-led security force identified the facilitator’s location early Wednesday morning, and tracked him to an associated compound in Nahr-e Shahi. The security force moved quickly to isolate the compound, and an Afghan member of the force called for the facilitator and all other personnel to exit the buildings peacefully. All occupants complied, allowing the security force to ensure the safety of the women and children.

The security force searched the area and conducted on-scene questioning with residents, resulting in the facilitator identifying himself to the force. Once identified, the force took him into custody along with two of his associates.

The facilitator is one of several senior al Qaida and Taliban insurgents captured in the province since February of this year. Additionally, more than 35 individuals associated with al Qaida and Taliban activity have been detained in the province during the same time frame.

No civilians were harmed during the operation.