Combined Security Force Kills Senior Insurgent Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, May 3, 2013 – A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Burkah district of Afghanistan’s Baghlan province today killed Jamal, a senior insurgent leader who had ties to both the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, military officials reported.

As the security force approached Jamal’s location, insurgents opened fire. The combined force returned fire and killed Jamal and three other insurgents.

Also known as Mullah Zabiullah, Jamal was the second-highest-ranking insurgent in the district. His cell of terrorists is responsible for suicide bombings against Afghan civilians throughout Baghlan and Takhar provinces. He recruited and trained insurgents for operations targeting Afghan officials for kidnappings and executions. He also played a significant role in linking Taliban and IMU fighters in Baghlan, working as a mediator and coordinating operations between the two networks, officials said.

The security force also detained two insurgents and seized four assault rifles and ammunition in the operation.
In other Afghanistan operations today:

— In Kandahar province’s Nesh district, a combined force arrested a Taliban leader and three other insurgents. The leader has operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also procures and distributes weapons and military equipment to insurgents. The security force also seized an assault rifle, three magazines and ammunition.

— A combined force in Nangarhar province’s Khugyani district arrested three insurgents during a search for a Taliban facilitator who provides logistical support to senior Taliban leaders throughout western Nangarhar. He organizes the purchase, transfer and delivery of weapons to support the Taliban insurgency, and has sold rockets used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized a pistol, a rifle and a shotgun.

— In Wardak province’s Sayyidabad district, a combined force arrested an insurgent during a search for a senior Taliban leader who controls an insurgent group that attack Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the movement of weapons and other military equipment to local insurgent cells, and is involved in building and using improvised explosive devices. During the operation, insurgents in the senior leader’s compound opened fire on the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force returned fire, killing one insurgent.

— A combined force in Khost province’s Matun district arrested an insurgent leader affiliated with the Taliban and the Taj Mir Jawad networks. He is involved in high-profile attack planning and coordination for an insurgent network in Logar province and is responsible for IED operations and attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also was directly involved in a high-profile suicide attack Feb. 27 in the Afghan capital of Kabul that wounded eight peoples. The security force also arrested three other insurgents and seized a pistol.

— In Paktia province’s Gardez district, a combined force arrested a Haqqani network leader who leads a group of insurgents responsible for ambushes and IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He recently was engaged in a campaign of robberies against Afghan civilian shops and is vital to weapons facilitation in Paktia. The security force also arrested two other insurgents and seized an assault rifle and five magazines.

In operations yesterday:

— Afghan commandos came under attack during a cordon-and-search operation in Helmand province’s Sangin district and killed three insurgents who were planting an IED. The commandos seized several grenades, an assault rifle, three magazines and almost 270 pounds of opium.

— In Nuristan province’s Waygal district, a combined force killed a senior leader with ties to the Taliban and other terrorist networks. Mohammad Issa, also known as Emirati, was in charge of training Taliban fighters and leaders for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also had a history of hosting transitory international terrorists in his home. Another insurgent also was killed in the operation.

— A combined force in Kunar province’s Ghaziabad district wounded an insurgent during a search for the district’s ranking Taliban military leader. He works directly with high-level Taliban officials to develop strategic-level guidance for his network of insurgents. He also has planned and conducted attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and has kidnapped Afghan civilians.

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