ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2010-08-CA-215
For Immediate Release
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 KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 18) - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from Afghan citizens led to a combined Afghan and coalition force operation Tuesday that found 27 Afghan men who were held prisoner illegally by the Taliban in a makeshift prison compound near Musa Qaleh, Helmand province.

The targeted compound was associated with a Sangin-based Taliban commander. Insurgents began firing at combined forces immediately upon their arrival at the compound. During the subsequent engagement, 13 insurgents were killed when they refused to lay down their weapons. Afghan forces then used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings while combined forces secured the area. No civilians were harmed during the operation. During the search of the compound, the combined forces discovered 27 men who were shackled and appeared to have been tortured. The men were taken to an International Security Assistance Force base where they underwent medical screening and debriefing. Officials from the Ministry of Interior and ISAF forces are currently identifying the men and determining their status. Numerous weapons were also discovered in the compound to include a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and several small arms.