ISAF Joint Command
2010-08-CA-237
For Immediate Release



 KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 20) - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents in Paktika province Thursday, including a Taliban commander.

The commander planned and coordinated improvised explosive device, small arms fire and heavy machine gun attacks against coalition forces. He also facilitated the weapons used in his attacks. The security force targeted a compound in the village of Karmah in Mota Khan district in pursuit of the commander. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker calling for all occupants to exit the buildings and then cleared the compound. After questioning the residents, the security force identified and detained the commander along with additional suspected insurgents. The assault force found multiple weapons and ammunition at the scene.

"We suspect this operation will significantly reduce insurgent morale within the Mota Khan district," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Afghan and coalition forces will continue to pursue and capture those standing in the way of peace and stability in Afghanistan."

The assault force did not fire their weapons in this operation and they protected the women and children for the duration of the search.