Apr. 21., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – During an operation in Balkh district, Balkh province, April 20, Afghan and coalition security forces killed two insurgents while searching for a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader.

The IMU leader is believed to have a long history of planning attacks against civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. The leader is accused to have coordinated a failed attack against a public gathering, specifically targeting the Balkh provincial governor and other government officials with suicide bombers. He is known to conduct coordinated operations between IMU and Taliban networks, and has extensive experience facilitating the movement of improvised explosive devices throughout the area. An assessment is still ongoing to determine additional details of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested one insurgent during an operation in search of a senior Taliban leader in Kandahar district, Kandahar province, April 21. The leader is believed to have operational control over a group of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is suspected to be a key insurgent facilitator in the area, procuring and distributing weapons and other military supplies.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested four insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Kandahar district, Kandahar province, April 21. The leader is believed to manage a network of insurgents throughout the province, and gathering intelligence to use against Afghan and coalition forces. He has also participated in executions of Afghan officials, assisted in the facilitation of weapons to local insurgents, and directly associated with Abdullah Wakil, the former Taliban leader for Panjwa’i district. Wakil was killed during an Afghan and coalition operation on March 31.

East

During an operation in search of a senior Taliban leader in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, April 21, Afghan and coalition security forces arrested three insurgents. The leader is believed to be responsible assassinations against government officials, facilitated movement of money, distributed weapons and insurgent fighters, and conducted multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the local area.

Posted in: Afghanistan, Balkh, IMU, ISAF Op Update, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Kandahar, Kandahar Province, Taliban