OEF Update, Feb. 11, 2010: Operations in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2010 -- An Afghan-international joint force searched a compound outside the village of Robat, in the Wali Mohammad Shaheed District of Ghazni province after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During the search the combined force captured a Taliban commander, with connections to several other militant network leaders, and another suspected insurgent.

An Afghan-international joint force stopped a vehicle in north Helmand's Washer District near Shah Mirza Kariz after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. As the force approached the vehicle, the driver, who was the sole occupant, drew an AK-47 and pointed at them. The combined force then engaged and killed him. The driver was a Taliban commander, responsible for directing attacks, IED production and procuring weapons and explosives for several insurgent networks.

In another operation in Helmand last night, a joint security force searched a small compound in a rural area in the Reg-e Khan Neshin District after intelligence information confirmed militant activity.

During the search the joint force detained a handful of suspected militants and found several rocket motors.

In Kandahar last night, an Afghan-international joint force searched a compound north of the town of Kukaran, in the Arghandab District after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

The joint security force captured a small group of insurgents, including a Taliban sub-commander responsible for the movement of weapons and conducting attacks against coalition and Afghan troops. The combined force found several weapons, including automatic rifles.

In Khowst last night, a joint security force searched a compound in the village of Kurru Kelay, in the Sabari District after intelligence found militant activity. The joint force detained several insurgents and found multiple weapons, including automatic rifles and a large amount of ammunition.

In Zabul last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound in a rural area west of Qalat City, in Qalat District after intelligence confirmed militant activity. The joint force captured a Taliban sub-commander, directly involved in small-arms and IED attacks on coalition and Afghan troops. The combined force also recovered multiple weapons, including automatic rifles and pistols.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

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