Taliban Commander Captured In SOTG Operation

Taliban Commander Captured In Afghan-Led SOTG Operation

A key Taliban insurgent commander was recently captured in a deliberate operation led by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG).

The combined operation detained a key insurgent leader and Improvised Explosive Device coordinator Mullah Janan Andewahl in the Mirabad Valley Region of Oruzgan Province.

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, said the insurgent commander had been responsible for directing attacks and roadside bombings against local Afghan civilians, and Afghan and ISAF security forces.

"Mullah Janan Andewahl posed a very serious threat to the safety and prosperity of people living in Oruzgan Province and he has been a person of interest for some time," Lieutenant General Evans said.

"In addition to his role as a key facilitator of Improvised Explosive Devices used against the local population and international forces, including Australians, we believe he was also behind a number of organised attacks and executions against the local population in the Mirabad district."

There is some evidence that Mullah Janan Andewahl travelled extensively across southern Afghanistan in an effort to avoid capture by security forces.

He is now in the custody of Afghan local authorities after his identity was confirmed.

Lieutenant General Evans said the combined operations by the ANSF and the SOTG were creating an environment in which the Afghan Government could continue to improve security and the conditions for the future development of Oruzgan province.

"Ensuring that Mullah Janan Andewahl, and those like him, enter the justice system for prosecution under the laws of Afghanistan reinforces to the local population, who have been terrorised by these extremists, that their Government is intent on restoring security."

The SOTG is continuing its operations to disrupt the Taliban insurgent command and control network in Oruzgan province. As these operations are ongoing, no specific details of the operation will be released.

ENDS

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