Senior taliban leaders arrested in Helmand province

Two senior Taliban leaders were arrested during joint military operation by Afghan and coalition security forces in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan. NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) following a statement announced, Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and eight other insurgents during an operation in Nad Ali district, Helmand province, today, according to Afghan (Khaama Press). The senior leader oversees a direct action cell of fighters responsible for a series of attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Nad Ali and Marjeh districts. He is also responsible for procuring weapons for use in insurgent attacks and managing Taliban personnel actions in his area of operations. The security force also seized two AK-47s and one rifle as a result of the operation. The statement further added that an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and one other insurgent during an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The senior leader maintains operational control over numerous cells of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also responsible for improvised explosive device operations in Nahr-e Saraj and Sangin districts, and has a history of facilitating suicide bombers. The security force also seized a pistol as a result of the operation. In a separate operation Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban improvised explosive device cell leader and one other insurgent during an operation in Zharay district, Kandahar province, today, ISAF said adding that the leader coordinates IED activity targeting Afghan and coalition forces in Zharay district. He also helps facilitate the movement of weapons to local Taliban groups.