NEWS RELEASE

081123-NR-635-ISAF kill senior Taliban Commander in targeted operation

International Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan

Committed to the security, reconstruction and extension of governance in Afghanistan

2008-635

Senior Taliban commander killed in targeted ISAF operation

KABUL, Afghanistan (November 23) — It has been confirmed this morning that a senior Taliban commander was killed by ISAF forces during a targeted operation in Southern Helmand Nov. 19.

Mullah Asad died as a result of a successful operation by ISAF forces. Asad was a senior Taliban Operational Commander for Southern Helmand and was linked to numerous attacks in the Garmsir district. He also facilitated attacks against the Afghan Security Forces.

His death comes three weeks after another senior commander in Garmsir Province, Mullah Mashar, was killed during a similar operation.

Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson said “The death of Mullah Asad will have a significant effect on the Taliban's ability to conduct operations.”

He continued, “These successes continue to undermine the Taliban's ability to threaten the lives of ordinary Afghan civilians in Helmand province.

“The enemies of Afghanistan, hiding in the shadows, should end their futile struggle and seek peace.”

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