OEF Update, Dec. 11, 2009: Forces Nab Haqqani Facilitator in Khowst

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force detained a couple of militants in Khowst province today, one of whom was a sought-after Haqqani facilitator. The facilitator is responsible for the shipment and distribution of weapons to other militant elements in the area.

The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Badal Kalay in the Nader Shakhot district where intelligence sources indicated the facilitator was located. The facilitator identified himself and surrendered without incident. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

Farah Sets Sights on Security, Stability:

Provincial leaders and ISAF representatives met with the Farah province governor Dec. 10 at his compound inside Farah City to discuss the current state of affairs.

Representatives of the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police and National Directorate of Security also attended the meeting and discussed numerous issues including joint operations.

"I am very proud of our ANA and ANP who are risking their lives trying to protect us and our country from the violent insurgents," said Governor Rahool Amin.

In addition to combat operations, the council discussed the recent border disputes and smuggling issues.

"We man our posts 24-hours a day and have constant communications," said Farah district ANP Deputy Chief Abdul Lattif. "We hear the problems of the people and we are trying to fix them, unlike the enemy who only wants to create more problems and more bloodshed for our people."

The ANP and ANA commanders at the meeting shared a sole concern - the safety of the local Afghan people.

"Everything we do is intended with the best interests of the people," said ANA Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akram Sameh. "We are set on stopping the destructive activity of the enemy and we will continue to fight alongside our counterparts wherever we are needed."

ISAF members in the province added their concerns and recommendations for operations, including reconstruction projects in Farah, similar to the projects the provincial reconstruction team executed in Rigi and Kadanak villages.

The security council plans to meet regularly to discuss current issues and to work in the best interests of the province and in support of the Afghan government.

ISAF Casualty:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)