ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-01-S-091
For Immediate Release
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 KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 8) – Coalition forces targeted an al-Qaida-associated Taliban leader with a precision air strike in Kunar province yesterday, killing several suspected insurgents.

 The targeted leader is an active attack planner who leads at least 25 fighters. Additionally, he maintains close contact with al-Qaida leaders and facilitators.

 The targeted leader used Taliban compounds from which to launch attacks on the Pech Valley Road in Kunar and emplaced a heavy machine gun on the eastern ridge line of a nearby village to provide over watch for his sub-leaders. The Taliban leader also used light machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades to support insurgent operations near the Pech Valley Road.

 The air strike occurred as the targeted leader and other suspected insurgents were identified in a remote area in Darah-ye Pech district.

 The International Security Assistance Force is still gathering information to confirm if the targeted Taliban leader was one of the insurgents killed in the strike.