Afghan-led security force detains Taliban commander in Wardak

KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 12) – An Afghan and coalition security
force killed several suspected insurgents and detained many more,
including a Taliban commander, in Wardak province Wednesday.
The commander conducted improvised explosive device, direct fire
and indirect fire attacks against Afghan civilians, and Afghan and
coalition forces.
The security force targeted a series of compounds in Zarin
Rhankhel in Sayyidabad district to search for the commander. As the
security force approached the area, several suspected insurgents showed
hostile intent from one of the targeted compounds. The assault force
engaged the threat, killing the men. After securing the compound, the
assault force detained one suspected insurgent.
At a series of compounds nearby, Afghan forces called for all
residents to exit each of the compounds peacefully and then secured the
area. After questioning the residents, the assault force identified and
detained the commander and three additional suspected insurgents.
“This capture will severely degrade Taliban operations in the
Tangi and Shehkabad district. Now one less criminal is on the streets
endangering Afghan civilians with his indiscriminate IED attacks,” said
U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force
Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.
The security force protected the women and children throughout
the search.
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