Military

Taliban Leader Killed in Afghanistan, Six Suspects Detained

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2007 – In operations around Afghanistan over the past two days, coalition forces killed two suspected terrorists and detained six others.

Coalition forces fired precision-guided munitions at a compound in Helmand province today that was housing a high-ranking Taliban commander.

Military officials believe the individual, who is a top military leader in southern Afghanistan, was in the compound at the time of the strike. A battle damage assessment is in progress.

During an operation today at a compound near Orgun-E in Paktika province, coalition and Afghan forces arrested four suspected terrorists after they refused requests for peaceful surrender.

Combined forces shot and killed one suspect who displayed a hostile intent toward troops, military officials said.

In Afghanistan yesterday, national police officers raided a home in the Logar province and detained the homeowner.

The individual had a suicide vest in his possession at the time of the operation. He also had small-arms ammunition and a kilogram of poppy, the plant used to produce illicit drugs.

Officers also detained another individual who is suspected of being an accomplice.

(Compiled from Headquarters International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan news releases.)