Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan Operations

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 – Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents, including Taliban leaders and Haqqani network terrorists, in operations today throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.

-- Forces captured several Haqanni terrorists for weapons trafficking and targeting attacks on security forces in Khost province’s Terayzai district.

-- In Baghlan province’s Burkah district, troops apprehended two suspected insurgents in an operation to prevent enemy fighters from using a particular location to stage attacks.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban weapons trafficker responsible for supplying enemy fighters with explosive devices in Logar province’s Baraki Barak district.

-- Security forces in Khost province’s Sabari district captured a Haqqani weapons trafficker connected to shipments of mortars and various other weapons.

In operations yesterday:

-- Afghan and coalition forces in Kunar province’s Bar Kunar district killed several armed insurgents using small-arms fire, artillery fire and close-air support after the enemy fighters attacked their patrol.

-- Security forces killed two enemy fighters and detained two others, including a Taliban leader, after the insurgents attacked the troops’ patrol in Helmand province’s Nowzad district.

-- Troops found several weapons stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. The operations resulted in the seizure of 460 machine-gun rounds, 120 assault-rifle rounds, 20 pressure plates, seven land mines, three hand grenades, two explosive devices, an assault rifle, a pistol, an 82 mm mortar, a rocket-propelled grenade, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and assorted bomb-making materials.