Sep. 15., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces confirmed yesterday the death of an al-Qaida weapons expert during a security operation in Mata Khan district, Paktika province, Wednesday.

During the operation the security force positively identified Taqwa – also known as Eissa Khan – transporting weapons toward a populated area. After ensuring no civilians were in the vicinity, the security force engaged Taqwa with a precision airstrike, killing him.

As an al-Qaida weapons expert, Taqwa is suspected of directing multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, often using improvised explosive devices, and equipping insurgent and terrorist fighters with weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Prior to his death, Taqwa was believed to be planning the abduction of several Afghan security force members.

A post-strike assessment determined no civilian property was damaged and no civilians were harmed.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader resulting in the death of one armed insurgent in Khanabad district, Kunduz province, today. As the security force approached the Taliban leader’s suspected location, an armed insurgent maneuvered on the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force positively identified the lethal threat and engaged, killing the armed insurgent. No civilians were harmed during the operation. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized one assault rifle as a result of this operation.

South
Afghan Special Police and coalition forces discovered what appeared to be an IED factory and seized a large cache of lethal aid during a search operation in northern Washer district, Helmand province yesterday. The combined force recovered eight pressure plate IEDs, explosive charges, battery packs, ammunition and a bag of narcotics during the operation. The force also found an IED dug into the ground and a mortar pit in the same location. During the mission, the partnered force was briefly engaged by enemy fire but successfully pushed back the attacking insurgents and did not sustain any casualties.

East
An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban attack cell leader in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, today. The arrested leader is believed to be responsible for the transportation of weapons, ammunition and insurgent fighters to conduct attacks throughout Laghman and Nangarhar provinces. Prior to his arrest, the Taliban leader was suspected of planning attacks on Afghan security checkpoints. The security force also detained several other suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms and small-arms ammunition during the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban forger in Jalalabad district, Nangarhar province, today. The arrested forger is suspected of providing fake documents and identification cards to Taliban insurgents attempting to infiltrate the Afghan government and security forces. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent as a result of this operation.

Posted in: Afghanistan, Improvised explosive device, International Security Assistance Force, ISAF Op Update, Nangarhar, Nangarhar Province, Taliban, Taliban insurgency