Afghan, Coalition Forces Disrupt Taliban Networks

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Afghan, Coalition Forces Disrupt Taliban Networks
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2008 - Several insurgents were killed and 14 suspected insurgents were detained during coalition forces operations conducted yesterday and Feb. 29 to degrade Taliban leadership networks in Afghanistan.

Coalition forces searched compounds in the Garmsir district of Helmand province yesterday during an operation targeting a Taliban commander responsible for facilitating foreign fighters and weapons smuggling operations. Several insurgents were killed when they fired on coalition forces. Coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to Taliban networks as they continued their search.

Coalition forces also recovered several weapons, ammunition vests and hand grenades that were destroyed to prevent further use by militant forces.

During a separate operation in the Qalat district of Zabul province yesterday, coalition forces detained four individuals associated with a Taliban commander responsible for attacks along Highway One. One of the detainees also is associated with Taliban and foreign fighter facilitation operations, officials said.

Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained six suspected insurgents Feb. 29 during a joint operation targeting a Taliban commander with ties to Taliban support networks and weapons operations in the Deh Chopan district of Zabul province.

The detainees from the operations will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other extremist activities.

"Coalition forces operations to degrade the Taliban's leadership are bolstering ongoing efforts to solidify the stability and security of Afghanistan," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a coalition forces spokesman.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)