ISAF Joint Command morning operational update – August 1.

The senior Taliban leader organized a complex improvised explosive device network responsible for multiple IED attacks in the region. He was also responsible for directing suicide bombings, and for planning and executing multiple attacks against Afghan security forces and civilians throughout the district.

The arrest of the senior Taliban leader came as the result of information provided to Afghan and coalition troops by insurgents formerly under his control who had been detained by Afghan and coalition troops during a previous operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

In Chimtal district, Balkh Province, yesterday, commandos from the 3rd Company, 5th Special Operations Kandak, supported by coalition troops, conducted an operation to arrest a senior Taliban leader. The leader is responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. During the operation, the security force detained several suspected insurgents.

An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents and seized several explosives during an operation in Pul-e Khurmi district, Baghlan province, today. The Afghan and coalition troops discovered a cache of improvised explosive device components and ammunition while searching the compound of a suspected Taliban leader.

South

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Zharay district, Kandahar province, today. During the operation, a group of armed insurgents attacked the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force engaged the insurgents and killing several of them. After the engagement, the security force detained multiple suspected insurgents.

In Shorabak district, Kandahar province, yesterday, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted a counter-narcotics operation. As a result of the operation, the combined force seized 1080 kilograms (2381 pounds) of hashish and detained two suspected narcotics traffickers. The drugs were destroyed on site.

East

In Muhammad Aghah district, Logar province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Haqqani leader yesterday. During the operation, the security force engaged a heavily armed group of insurgents with a precision airstrike. After the strike, the combined force conducted a post-strike assessment and confirmed several of the armed insurgents had been killed. They also confirmed the strike had not injured any civilians or damaged any civilian property.

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to arrest a Haqqani leader in Muhammad Aghah district, Logar province, today. During the operation, the security force engaged a group of insurgents preparing to attack them and forced the insurgents to retreat. After the engagement, the security force detained two suspected insurgents.

An Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected insurgents during and operation in search of a Haqqani leader in Sabari district, Khost province, today. The Haqqani leader is directly involved in purchasing weapons and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the district.