Soldiers opened fire as the suspect, who was “showing hostile intent”, as he attempted to engage them from a wood line near a compound where drugs were found.
According to reports, the Taliban commander had been involved in a Pakistani-based network that had been carrying out attacks on a major highway route. He was also suspected of trafficking weapons, cash, kit and IED components to the enemy.
Col Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Joint Operations Centre Director, said Afghan and NATO troops had followed the suspected insurgent to a compound, where they called on all residents to leave peacefully.
After detaining seven suspects for questioning, a search unearthed piles of dried opium poppies and a number of cannabis plants growing around the area.
Col Torres emphasised: “The Taliban profit from the manufacturing and trafficking of IED components that kill and wound innocent Afghan civilians.
“They do not care who their customers are, nor about those affected, when instructed by their leaders hiding in Pakistan to conduct these attacks.”
Col Torres added: “Afghan and coalition forces will continue to pursue those who harm the Afghan people and stand in the way of peace and security.”
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