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Press Release | Dec. 8, 2008

Afghan Commandos prevent assassination of Nangarhar Provincial Governor

By None , U.S. Forces - Afghanistan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2008

Release Number 20080812-02

Afghan Commandos prevent assassination of Nangarhar Provincial Governor

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos, assisted by Coalition forces detained suicide IED facilitator Zia Rahman in Jalalabad City, Nangarhar Province, located approximately 230 kilometers east of Kabul.

After receiving credible information from local officials on an impending assassination plot against governor Sherzai, the Nangarhar Provincial Governor, ANA Commandos conducted a raid on a Taliban safe house in Jalalabad City.

Within minutes of entering the home, the commandos detained Zia Rahman, aka “Hamid”, the individual responsible for transporting and training the potential suicide bomber. During the operation the commandos also safeguarded 41 men, women and children. Rahman was tested on sight, for explosive residue, yielding a positive result.

Rahman has also been linked to several suicide vehicle borne IED (SVBIED) attacks in Nangarhar Province, including a SVBIED strike, in November, resulting in one U.S. service member being killed in action in Bati Kot, Nangarhar Province.

“With Zia Rahman detained, the suicide IED cell disrupted and Governor Sherzai safe from antigovernment action, the ANA Commandos have once again demonstrated their precision, professionalism and commitment to the security of Nangarhar Province,” said a local Afghan official.

The Afghan Army is reported to currently have over 78,000 Soldiers, and expect to grow to over 134,000 Soldiers in the next few years.

“Afghan forces saved one of their leaders today,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson. “The security of the Afghan people will improve as their own security force, capacity and capability improves.”

No shots were fired and no non-combatants were harmed during this mission.

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United States Forces Afghanistan’s mission, in coordination with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force.  Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan.

Contact Information – US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919 or cell phone 0093 (0) 788 189 049

USFOR-A-MediaRelations@afghan.swa.army.mil