Two Taliban senior leaders captured in Afghanistan

Two Taliban senior leaders captured in Afghanistan

2010-10-05 04:21:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- NATO on Monday confirmed the capture of two Taliban senior leaders operating in the city of Kandahar during Sunday's security operations conducted by Afghan and coalition security forces.

The Taliban leaders had been organizing attacks against Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan and coalition forces in the region, as well as facilitating attacks by providing weapons and funding to their fighters.

"Taliban leaders operating in Kandahar are feeling the heat," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.

"Our joint security forces are intent on securing the city and our operations, focused on removing the mid- to senior-level leadership, have led to 21 Taliban leaders captured in the last 30 days. These captures provide the time and space necessary for enduring governance and development initiatives in Kandahar to take root."

Security forces were led to a compound in western Kandahar after analyzing security reports. Upon arrival, occupants of the compound were encouraged to exit the building peacefully. Then, the joint security force cleared and secured the area.

Members of the security force were able to identify and detain the two senior leaders along with several of their associates following the initial questioning at the scene.

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