Insurgent killed, Taliban leader held in Balkh

The leader was the deputy governing official for Taliban operations in the district and served as one of the principal leaders and technical IED expert for his attack network, the NATO-led force said in a statement.

Recent reports indicated he was also involved in the kidnapping of local civilians and acquired weapons for attacks in the district.

Numerous in-depth reports led the combined security force to a site in Chimtal district, where the force observed several suspected insurgents attempting to avoid capture. The force pursued and caught three of the individuals, with one still attempting to flee, it said.

As the force attempted to detain the insurgent, he responded by demonstrating hostile intent and was killed as a protection measure.

One of the detainees identified himself as the targeted Taliban leader was immediately detained, and the two other individuals were transported for further questioning and possible detention.

pr/ma

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