ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-01-S-118
For Immediate Release
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KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 11, 2011) – A joint Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Force patrol targeted a mid-level insurgent leader in Maiden Shahr district, Wardak province yesterday.

Acting on intelligence reports and tips from local citizens the force arrived at a compound in order to arrest Safiullah, the target of the operation, on a Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan warrant. Safiullah is a mid-level insurgent commander involved in indirect fire and small-arms attacks against Afghan security and ISAF.

As the patrol knocked at the door, a man answered then ran back inside the house. He emerged shortly thereafter from the rear of the building carrying an AK-47 and encountered another element of the joint patrol. He was told to lay down his weapon in both Dari and Pashtu. He ignored the requests and, as he posed a threat to the patrol, was killed. He was later confirmed to be Safiullah.

A search of the building turned up two grenades, one AK-47 rifle, associated ammunition and two Afghan army uniforms.

Three men were detained during the operation and taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.