2009-11-CA-015

KABUL, Afghanistan (Nov. 6) - An Afghan-international security force
detained a group of suspected militants in Kandahar Province, including
a senior Taliban facilitator, Thursday.

The senior Taliban facilitator detained is believed to be
responsible for financing and placing suicide bombers and IEDs in the
area. This facilitator is also linked to Taliban leadership outside of
the country.

The joint security force targeted a compound near the village of
Spin Kalacheh, southwest of Kandahar City, after intelligence indicated
militant activity. The joint force searched the compound without
incident and detained five suspected militants, one of which surrendered
and identified himself as the Taliban facilitator. No shots were fired,
and no one was injured.

Afghan and international security forces constantly partner
personnel and resources to prevent attacks against civilians and
eliminate the Taliban threat by constant pursuit and the promotion of
reconciliation.

ISAF Casualties
Two International Security Assistance Force service members were
killed and another service member died of wounds in two separate IED
strikes in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

It is ISAF policy to defer identification procedures of
casualties to the relevant national authorities. The two service members
killed were from the United States.