REPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN JUNE 29. 2012

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Leader

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force apprehended a Haqqani leader in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.

The detained leader built improvised explosive devices, purchased weapons, and coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- A combined force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Kandahar district of Kandahar province. The sought-after Taliban leader conducts direct-fire and IED attacks throughout the district.

-- In the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province, a combined force detained numerous suspected insurgents and seized multiple AK-47 rifles, shotguns and illegal narcotics during an operation to detain a Taliban leader. The leader is responsible for the movement of weapons and personnel throughout the region, and coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In June 28 operations:

-- A combined force-requested airstrike killed Maulawi Sadiq, a Taliban leader and explosives expert, in the Charkh district of Logar province. The deceased Taliban leader had provided explosive materials and training to insurgents, coordinated insurgent movements, and planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the region. The airstrike didn't harm any civilians and didn't damage civilian property.

-- Afghan police and coalition forces detained three insurgents in Khowst province's Sabari district.

-- Afghan police and coalition forces detained one insurgent in Khowst province's Terezayi district.

-- Afghan police and coalition forces discovered a cache containing mortar rounds, mines and ammunition in the Yahya Khel district of Paktika province.

-- Afghan soldiers and coalition forces detained eight insurgents in Paktiya province's Gardez district.

HOTEL ATTACK IN KABUL AFGHANISTAN CONDEMNED BY U.S. AND ISAF OFFICIALS

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Officials Condemn Hotel Attack in Afghanistan

By Cheryl Pellerin
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2012 - Defense Department and International Security Assistance Force officials have condemned the brutal attack on the lakeside Spozhmai Hotel west of Kabul in Afghanistan in which terrorists killed civilians and took hostages.


Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, ISAF commander and commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, said in a statement issued today that the Haqqani terrorist network is linked to the attack.
"Afghan National Security Forces and coalition military sources acknowledge that this attack bears the signature of the Haqqani network, which continues to target and kill innocent Afghans and blatantly violate Afghan sovereignty from the safety of Pakistan," Allen said.


"Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those defenseless Afghans who were murdered in their sleep during the early morning hours of Jum'ah [Friday of the Muslim week] by the enemies of peace in Afghanistan," the general added.


Allen said he was extremely impressed with the Afghan police and special-response units who arrived quickly to secure the scene and liberate civilian hostages.


"While we provided minimal support at the request of the Afghan security forces," the general said, "there should be little doubt about their ability and capability to protect the Afghan people in the years ahead."


At the Pentagon, Press Secretary George Little and Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby condemned the brutal attack in the strongest terms.
"We're talking about civilians who were merely trying to enjoy some time beside a lake," Little told reporters here. "This is yet again a barbaric act perpetrated by the Haqqani network. And I would also note, as Gen. Allen at ISAF did, that the [Afghan National Security Forces] responded effectively."
Kirby said Allen has been very aggressive, "particularly in the last several months, on targeting the Haqqanis inside Afghanistan." Kirby added there were no reported ISAF casualties during the attack.


The Haqqani network, based in Pakistan, is allied with the Taliban and it often targets Afghan and coalition troops in Afghanistan, officials said.
Little said defense officials have "continued to press the Pakistanis to take action on their side of the border to prevent the safe haven [there] from remaining a safe place for terrorists to operate."


"We would like for [Pakistanis] to do more," he added. "We've communicated that, and we'd like to cooperate with them in finding ways to pursue militants that threaten Afghans, threaten ISAF forces and threaten Pakistanis."
At this stage in negotiations with the Pakistani government, Little said, "the real focus is on trying to drive closer U.S.-Pakistani cooperation to bring pressure to bear against the Haqqani network and other militants who operate along the Afghan-Pakistan border."