A joint operation between coalition and Afghan forces led to the capture of a top fighter in the Haqqani organization who had Afghan military uniforms and was preparing infilitrate a government agency in preperation for an attack, International Security Forces said Monday.
According to ISAF officials the Haqqani leader, who was arrested in eastern Afghanistan’s Khost province, specialized in high-profile attacks and reported directly to senior Haqqani leaders in hiding in the tribal lands of Pakistan.
“Because of the trust coalition elements have placed in Afghan security forces having a Haqqani terrorist gain access to it is as dangerous as it gets,” said a U.S. Military official with direct knowledge of operations against terrorists and insurgents in the region. “It shows that war is far from over and that the Afghan government is still under a significant threat. This detainee will be able to provide us with needed information I’m sure.”
When he was captured he was “equipping his insurgent cell with military uniforms for a planned attack on an Afghan government facility,” ISAF officials said.
“The security force also detained several suspected insurgents and seized multiple firearms during the operation,” they added.
Sara A. Carter is The Washington Examiner’s national security correspondent. She can be reached at [email protected].
