News - Afghanistan

An Haqqani explosives expert was captured in a joint Afghan and Nato troops operation in Afghanistan on Saturday, Isaf said.

"The Afghan Special Operations Unit, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Haqqani explosives expert during an operation in Khost district of Khost province, today," Isaf said in a statement Saturday.

The explosives expert, who was not named by Isaf, was responsible for constructing and placing improvised explosive devices used in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the region, according to Isaf.

It added that he also coordinated the transportation and distribution of explosives for insurgents throughout in Khost.

Isaf said that the operation also led to the arrest of several suspected insurgents and seizure of several weapons.

Another Haqqani leader was captured during an operation in Pul-e‘Alam district of Logar province on Saturday, Isaf said, adding that the security force also seized several weapons, grenades and explosives during the operation.

Meanwhile, a leader of insurgent group Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) was captured in a separate Nato and Afghan troops operation in the Ishkamish district of Takhar province on Friday, Isaf said.

The IMU leader, who was not named in the statement, commanded a high-profile attack cell that directed attacks throughout Kunduz province.