Sep. 25., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban weapons dealer and destroyed his cache of illegal weapons during an operation in Omnah district, Paktika province, today.

Hizbullah, the weapons dealer, and one other armed insurgent maneuvered on the Afghan and coalition troops as the security force approached Hizbullah’s compound. The security force positively identified the lethal threat and engaged both armed insurgents, killing them. No civilians were harmed during the operation.

Hizbullah acquired firearms, ammunition and explosives and provided these weapons to the Taliban insurgents under his command, enabling them to conduct attacks against security forces throughout the region.

Prior to his death, Hizbullah was also believed to have been attempting to acquire a heavy machine gun and additional equipment for future insurgent attacks.

The security force seized several assault rifles, multiple rocket-propelled grenades, an RPG launcher, fragmentation grenades and ammunition during the operation. The explosives were removed and safely destroyed away from all civilian structures.

A number of suspected insurgents were also detained as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested the leader of a Taliban cell in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, today. The arrested leader’s insurgent cell is suspected of conducting small-arms fire and improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces within the district. He is alleged to be attempting to acquire weapons – including mortar rounds – for future attacks. In addition to his insurgent cell activities, the Taliban leader was believed to be involved in a plot to kidnap Afghan security officers prior to his arrest. The security force also detained a number of suspected insurgents as a result of the operation.

An International Security Assistance Force patrol seized 520 kilograms (1,150 pounds) of opium during an air interdiction operation in Reg-e Khan Neshin district, Helmand province, Sunday. The ISAF patrol discovered the drugs after stopping and searching a vehicle traveling along a known narcotics smuggling route. ISAF detained one individual – the driver of the vehicle – during the operation. The opium was destroyed in place.

Posted in: Afghan National Army, Afghanistan, Helmand Province, International Security Assistance Force, ISAF Op Update, Kabul, Taliban