Posted on 06/29/2010 9:52:42 AM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2010, June 29, 2010 – An Afghan and international force detained a number of suspected insurgents including a Taliban facilitator in Afghanistan’s Helmand province last night, military officials reported.
The facilitator, believed to be a key player in the facilitation network in the province’s Now Zad district, allegedly is responsible for procuring and distributing bomb-making components.
After clearing several buildings in the village of Do Sang, in the Now Zad district, the combined security force detained the facilitator and several suspected associates.
A separate Afghan and international force detained a suspected insurgent in Kandahar province while pursuing a Taliban facilitator last night.
The combined security force searched a compound near Vakil Rostam Kalay in the province’s Panjwai district and detained the man for further questioning.
The combined force protected women and children present during the searches, and no shots were fired during either operation.
Afghan and coalition forces have made significant progress in Kandahar by increasing offensive operations in the province and capturing or killing key Taliban leaders, officials said. Combined Afghan and international forces recently removed the Taliban district chiefs for Zharay, Panjwai, Maiwand and Dand districts. Hajji Amir, formerly the Dand district chief, was killed May 30 in Kandahar.
In other news from Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Force officials noted in a statement issued today that the search continues for a U.S. soldier who has been missing for a year.
Army Spc. Bowe W. Bergdahl of Hailey, Idaho, was discovered missing during his unit’s roll-call in the Afghan capital of Kabul a year ago tomorrow. His status was declared as “Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown” on July 1, 2009, and that status was changed to "Missing-Captured” on July 3, 2009.
Bergdahl is a member of the 25th Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
“Since he was captured on June 30, 2009, it has been a top priority for U.S. and coalition forces to find him, recover him, and bring him home safely,” said Navy Rear Adm. Greg Smith, ISAF’s deputy chief of staff for communication. “We continue our efforts to determine his whereabouts and ensure his safe return. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowe and his family.”
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