Taliban Leaders Captured in Afghan, Nato Operation

Three Taliban leaders were captured in joint Afghan and Nato troop operations in Afghanistan, Isaf said in a statement on Wednesday.

"An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province, today," it said.

The commander allegedly controlled an insurgent cell responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region.

Another senior Taliban leader was captured in the Chimtal district of northern Balkh province, the statement added.

He allegedly funded insurgent operations and co-ordinated attacks throughout the district. During the operation, the security force detained one other suspected insurgent.

Afghan and Nato troops on July 31 also arrested a mid-level member of the Taliban called Haji Shakur. He apparently controlled dozens of insurgent fighters was active in the Chora and Caluchi districts of Uruzgan province. He is accused of providing those under his control with ammunition and weapons, and recruiting local Afghans from the area for the Taliban.

The operation was conducted by Afghan security forces, and supported by coalition troops.