KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 8, 2011) – Afghan and coalition forces detained two Taliban leaders along with two suspected insurgents during a security operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province yesterday.
One of the targeted Taliban leaders coordinated direct fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Zharay district. He was directly associated with Taliban leaders in the area.
Recent reporting indicates the second Taliban leader was the district Taliban leader for the past three months. He is responsible for improvised explosive device and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He has replaced leaders who are currently hiding in Pakistan.
“Panjwa’i district has historically been a hotbed for insurgent improvised explosive device attacks in Kandahar province against Afghan civilians, Afghan National Security Force and coalition forces, injuring and killing numerous individuals,” said U.S. Army Col. Patrick Hynes, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.
“The capture of two Taliban leaders who are responsible for multiple IED attacks shows the continued progress of the coalition to degrade the Taliban’s IED capability through the winter season, making Afghanistan a safer place for everyone,” he said.
Security forces followed leads to a targeted building where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit peacefully before conducting a search.
The two Taliban leaders along with two suspected insurgents were detained after initial questioning at the scene.
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