ISAF Joint Command- Afghanistan
2011-09-S-026
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (September 13, 2011) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents while searching for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior leader and Taliban liaison in the Kishim district, Badakhshan province, yesterday.

The force, led by more than 50 Afghan security members, was in the district searching for northern Afghanistan’s senior IMU leader, who facilitates suicide and roadside bomb attacks against Afghan security forces. The leader is a facilitator for IMU insurgents and senior leaders in Kabul and Ghazni, as well as, a coordinater for logistical and personnel movements for fighters throughout northern Afghanistan.

The security force moved to confront several armed insurgents that were noticed maneuvering and demonstrating hostile intent while they searched for the targeted leader. Security forces then engaged the armed individuals, resulting in multiple insurgents killed.

Following the engagement, the security force continued with the original search and detained numerous other suspected insurgents. Roadside bomb making materials and multiple weapons were seized.

During the operation, the security force also found two local nationals who appeared to have been wounded by insurgents. The force treated and transported the wounded local national males, an 8 year-old and a 10 year-old, after initial reports indicated they were hit by shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade fired by insurgents. Both children were transferred to a medical facility where they are being cared for by coalition forces.

The IMU network and insurgent safe havens remain a top priority for Afghan and coalition security forces. This month, the security force has detained more than 200 suspected insurgents, which includes 30 confirmed IMU, al Qaida and Taliban leaders.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

In Kandahar district, Kandahar province, today, a combined Afghan and coalition force discovered and seized an explosives cache consisting of 200 pounds (91 kgs) of homemade explosives. The cache will be destroyed at a later date.

West

A combined Afghan and coalition force discovered a weapons cache in Bakwah district, Farah province, today. The cache, discovered during a security operation, consisted of five AK-47 rifles and several IED-making materials. All the items were seized by security forces and will be destroyed at a later date.