Khowst: Haqqani Leader Captured

Haqqani sub-commander captured in Khost

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL- An Afghan and coalition force captured a Haqqani Network sub-commander who facilitates weapons into the province and reports directly to Haqqani senior leadership based in Pakistan during an overnight operation in Khost.

One woman was killed and one sustained a minor wound during the operation.

As the security force approached the targeted compound, they observed two males running from the targeted building to a nearby compound. The security force pursued the individuals and as they approached, they saw someone point a weapon out of one of the windows within the compound where the males had gone. The assault force engaged the threat in self-defense and then entered the compound.

Inside the room, they found one woman dead and another with a minor wound as a result of the gunfire. An AK-47 was next to the killed female and a rifle and another AK-47 was also found in the building.

Four men were also in the compound during the engagement.

"Afghan and coalition forces do not intentionally target women and we take these incidents very seriously," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "We are taking a step-by-step approach in investigating what happened during this operation. We'll provide updates as the details come to light."

The security force provided medical attention to the wounded woman at the scene. She was later evacuated to a coalition forces medical facility as a precautionary measure along with two male relatives as escorts.

While questioning the individuals at the scene, the security force identified and detained the commander along with several suspected insurgents. In the compound where the commander was located, the security force found an AK-47, a rifle, seven grenades, six magazines and an ammunition belt.