Release Number: 20090801-01

January 8, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army and Coalition forces detained five suspected militants, including the targeted Haqqani commander, during operations to disrupt the Haqqani and Taliban terrorist operations in Khost and Kandahar provinces, Wednesday.

ANA and Coalition forces netted four militants in the first operation, including the targeted Haqqani commander. In Bak District, approximately 135 km southeast of Kabul City, the combined force targeted the Haqqani commander assessed to facilitate suicide car bombings against innocent Afghans and Coalition forces in Khost province.  The captured Haqqani commander is also believed to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters into the Khost region to carry out attacks.

In Zharmi District, roughly 30 km west of Kandahar City, Coalition forces detained one suspected militant during an operation targeting a Taliban sub-commander.  The wanted sub-commander is known to direct and coordinate suicide bomb attacks against Afghan officials and civilians.

“Afghan’s and all the security forces must concentrate their efforts to stop these criminals,” said Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense.  “Our combined efforts will ensure success.”