KABUL, Afghanistan (May 23, 2013) – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and two other insurgents during an operation in Dand district, Kandahar province, today.
The facilitator is a vital member of improvised explosive device networks in Kandahar City. He procures and distributes IED-making materials, weapons and other military equipment for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, yesterday. The facilitator exercises command and control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also uses his residence as a storage facility for military equipment and coordinates the acquisition of weapons for use in insurgent activities.
East
Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the death of two senior Haqqani leaders, Qari Azzam and Mukhlis, during an operation in Zurmat district, Paktiya province, Tuesday. Azzam, also known as Maulawi Sahib, served as an intelligence operative responsible for providing information to senior Haqqani leadership about attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He was also involved in coordinating mine and improvised explosive device emplacement in the local area, providing military equipment to insurgents and organizing kidnappings in order to extort money. Mukhlis, also known as Wazir, planned and participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also interfaced directly with senior Haqqani leadership in order to relay strategic guidance to insurgent fighters.
Provincial Response Company Logar, enabled by coalition forces, seized a large cache of explosives making materials during a cordon and search mission in Pul-E Alam district, Logar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of one IED, 170 kilograms (374 pounds) of ammonium nitrate, and 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of phosphorous fertilizer. All seized materials were destroyed on location.