AF/PAK/IRAQ – MILITARY SWEEP

PAKISTAN

US President Barack Obama told lawmakers Monday that no current changes were needed to his Afghanistan and Pakistan strategy, as US forces escalate operations against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. “We are continuing to implement the policy as described in December and do not believe further adjustments are required at this time,” Obama wrote. “As the Congress continues its deliberations on the way ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan, I want to continue to underscore our nation's interests in the successful implementation of this policy.” The president is expected to mount a fresh review of strategy on Afghanistan by the end of the year, but again, no major adjustments are expected. - Dawn

Police said that a group of militants attacked the checkpost with rockets and heavy weapons but the rockets could not hit the building. He said that some of attackers also moved towards the checkpost at Achini but they were repulsed. Quoting their informer, police said that the attackers were at least 60, who were armed with light and heavy weapons. They belonged to Khyber Agency-based Mangal Baghn-led militant group Lashkar-i-Islam. “We have deployed additional personnel at the sensitive points and efforts are made to arrest the suspected people, who use to facilitate the militants,” a police official said. He added that the attackers had entered settled parts of Peshawar from Shalobar area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. - Dawn

The NATO supply through Torkham in the Khyber district has remained suspended for the sixth day as over 200 tankers and containers have remained queued up at the border point. Khasadars and security forces are providing security to the stranded containers packed with NATO supplies. The owners of the containers and tankers said that they were satisfied with the security arrangements as no untoward incident had taken place during the last five days. - Geo

A small bomb blast on Tuesday damaged a truck carrying oil to Nato troops in Afghanistan that was parked near the border in northwestern Pakistan, a government official said. A local administrator in Pakistan's Khyber tribal region, said the bomb was planted underneath the tanker while it was parked alongside more than 100 other trucks waiting to cross into Afghanistan. He said oil started leaking out of the damaged tanker following the attack and authorities were moving the other trucks in case a fire started. — AP

Two militants were killed including their commander in clash with security forces in Swat. According to media reports, security forces launched operation in the areas of Khawaza Kale in which two militants were killed including their commander named Salahuddin in clash with security forces in Swat and no security personal injured in the clash. - The Nation

At least one person killed 2 injured when unidentified men opened indiscriminate firing at Namazis in a Moque located in Mian Channu. According to police sources, this incident accrued in the village Chumb Kalian 65 Mosque where residents were offering morning prayer in a mosque, when two unidentified armed person start firing in result three Namazi got sever injuries which were shifted to the District Head Quarter Hospital Vihari where one injured lost life and other two are out of danger. After firing the terrorists succeeded to escaped from the scene, however police cordon off the area. - The Nation

Six foreign terrorists were arrested along with huge quantity of ammunition during a search operation, launched by security agencies in Hangu. According to the police, the terrorists were arrested during a search operation in Doaba area of Hangu, along with hug quantity of ammunition including rocket launchers, heavy guns. All terrorists said to belong to Afghanistan, according to the sources. - The Nation

AFGHANISTAN

Taleban report: Bloody fighting has taken place between the mojahedin of the Islamic Emirate and the American forces near Lashkargah city, the centre of Helmand Province. The face-to-face fighting with the American forces began after the mojahedin carried out an armed attack on their foot patrol in Lawchak area of Babaji of this city at 1400 [local time] today. Two foreign soldiers were killed and two others seriously wounded in the attack which lasted about half an hour. - Voice of Jihad website

Taleban report: Kapisa Province, Obaidollah, a heroic mojahed and a resident of Pol-e Charkhi area of Dehsabz District of Kabul Province, carried out a rocket attack in the mercenary army's uniform on the French forces in Sherkhel area of Tagab District at 1030 [local time] today. He attacked the French forces with rockets, inflicting heavy casualties on them, in Sherkhel base in Tagab District. However, their exact number is not known so far. The heroic mojahed, Obaidollah, joined the mojahedin bringing in his rocket launcher with him after the attack. - Voice of Jihad website

Taleban report: Kandahar city, Abdol Nafe, a contractor who was supplying logistical goods to the bases of the foreign forces, was shot dead near Abdol Hakim Hada in Loy Wyali area of this city at 1200 [local time] today. - Voice of Jihad website

Taleban report: 10 American soldiers have been either killed or wounded in a powerful explosion in Zheray District of Kandahar Province. The American forces suffered the above casualties when they stumbled upon landmines, planted by the mojahedin in advance, as they entered the courtyard of an empty house in Birana area of this district at 0900 [local time] this morning. According to local people, helicopters arrived in the area in order to transfer the dead and wounded soldiers in the explosion. However, the body parts of the dead soldiers still remain scattered in surrounding orchards. - Voice of Jihad website

Taleban report: The American forces have abandoned a major base in Zambili area of Greshk District of Helmand Province and their soldiers have fled the area in helicopters. The local people were very unhappy about the base, which had been in the area for the past five years, as it was being attacked by the mojahedin on daily basis and they in return were firing light and heavy weapons on surrounding areas. A large quantity of goods is left behind in the base by the enemy, where locals are currently taking them. - Voice of Jihad website

According to reports, an auxiliary police force commander was shot dead in Pashtunkot District of Fariab Province this morning. Spokesman for the Taleban Qari Mohammad Yusof Ahmadi told AIP [Afghan Islamic Press] that the Taleban killed Faizollah Khan, an auxiliary police force commander, in front of his house in the Mian Dara area of Pashtunkot District of Fariab this morning [5 October]. When AIP asked Sayd Masud, the spokesman for Fariab Security Command, about the incident, he confirmed the killing of Faizollah Khan and said that he was killed by unknown armed men this morning. The Taleban's spokesman, Mr Ahmadi, said that they clashed with the auxiliary police in the Gholbian area of Gorziwan District of Fariab yesterday [4 October] and added that two auxiliary police force members and two Taleban lost their lives in the three-hour long clash. - Afghan Islamic Press

Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban leader operating in Dand district, who conducts and coordinates attacks and arms Taliban fighters, during an overnight operation in Kandahar. Intelligence tips led the security force to a compound in the village of Mazra'eh in Arghandab district to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force identified and detained the targeted individual along with two of his associates. - ISAF website

Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a Haqqani Network facilitator who supplies weapons used for attacks throughout Musa Khel district during an overnight operation in Khost province. Intelligence tips led the security force to a remote compound in Sabari district to search for the facilitator. As the joint security force approached, several armed insurgents threatened the assault force. The security force engaged the insurgents, killing two. The security force was able to assess part of the engagement area and recovered a machine gun with one of the insurgents. After the area was secure, Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. - ISAF website

Afghan and coalition security forces detained several suspected Taliban insurgents in Helmand province Monday while in pursuit of a Taliban leader who commands up to 20 fighters in the Sistani area of Marjah district. Intelligence tips led the joint security force to a remote compound in Marjah district to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force moved to clear and secure the compound. In one of the buildings, the security force found a man shackled and locked in one of the rooms, who claimed he was an Afghan National Police member and the Taliban had kidnapped him. The security force is still gathering information to confirm his identity. After the area was secure, the joint force conducted initial questioning with the residents at the scene before detaining the suspected insurgents. The security force also found multiple grenades, AK-47 magazines and ammunition, along with 20 pounds of wet opium. - ISAF website

Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban leader who facilitated improvised explosive devices and provided guidance to his subordinates conducting attacks in Yosuf Khel district. Intelligence reports led the security force to a compound in Yosuf Khel district to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force identified and detained the targeted individual along with several of his associates. - ISAF website

Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban senior leader operating in northern Sayed Abad district who worked directly for leadership in Pakistan, during an overnight operation in Wardak. The targeted individual was extremely active facilitating attacks, weapons and improvised explosive devices. Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound in Sayed Abad district to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force identified and detained the targeted individual along with one of his associates. - ISAF website

Four policemen were killed and seven others were wounded in an attack and explosions, which occurred in front of the Mirwais High School in Kandahar town last night. The press office of Kandahar Province says two policemen were killed and nine policemen, including a civilian, were wounded in the incident. Also, the Taleban, who have claimed responsibility for the attacks, told AIP that eight policemen were killed and 14 policemen were wounded in the explosions and attack. - Afghan Islamic Press

The International Security Assistance Force confirmed the capture of a Taliban facilitator for an improvised explosive device attack network operating in Qalat district, during an overnight operation in Zabul province Sunday. The facilitator provided material support to the IED network, including IED components, money, fuel and other provisions, which ultimately endangers the Afghan populace in the area. Based on intelligence tips, the security force targeted a compound southeast of Tana Chah in Qalat district to search for the facilitator. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force detained the facilitator along with several of his associates. - ISAF website

Afghan and coalition security forces targeted a Taliban senior leader in Zabul province overnight who commands the Jaldak improvised explosive device cell conducting regular attacks on Highway 1. The targeted individual maintains ties with several foreign fighter facilitators and Taliban leadership operating in the region. Intelligence tips led the security force to a remote compound south of Hajji Abdollah Kalay in Tarnek wa Jaldak district to search for the targeted individual. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully and then the joint security force cleared and secured the compound. After conducting initial questioning with the residents at the scene, the security force detained several suspected insurgents. - ISAF website

The body of a tribal leader has been found after he was abducted. Senior officials in Konduz say a tribal leader was killed on Tuesday. Mr Mahbubollah Saedi, the spokesman for the governor of Konduz, told that the armed opponents abducted a tribal leader named Haji Mohammad Ali in the Guldaman area of Emam Saheb District two days ago. His body was found last night. - Afghan Islamic Press

IRAQ

Two Iraqi army soldiers were wounded when a roadside bomb hit their patrol in northern Baghdad, while two other roadside bombs went off in northern and southwestern the Iraqi capital without causing any casualties. “A roadside bomb hit an Iraqi army patrol in the al-Hurriya city, northern Baghdad, wounding two soldiers,” a local security source told Aswat al-Iraq news agency on Tuesday. “A roadside bomb went off in the al-Daura area, southwestern Baghdad, and another one went off in the al-Hurriya city, northern Baghdad, but both of them left no casualties,” he added. The source explained that police forces seized two unknown corpses in the al-Ghazaliya neighborhood, western Baghdad. “The two dead bodies belong to two men in their 30s or 40s,” the source said. He noted that both men died of suffocation. - Aswat al-Iraq

A local official in Samaraa city survived assassination with a roadside bomb, a security source from the Salah al-Din province said on Tuesday. “The head of the local council in Dijla suburb of the Samaraa survived assassination with a roadside bomb that was planted by unknowns inside the air-conditioner of his house,” the source told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. He noted that the blast injured a member of the official’s family, and left heavy damage to the house. - Aswat al-Iraq

A Sahwa fighter was killed on Monday [4 October] by unknown gunmen in northern Babil, a police source said. "Unknown gunmen shot and killed a Sahwa fighter in front of his house in Al-Musayab district, north of Al-Hillah," the source told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. "The attackers fled to unknown place," he added. - Aswat al-Iraq

A source in the Iraqi police said on Monday that 11 people, including two Iraqi soldiers were wounded when a magnetic bomb exploded south of Mosul. The source, who preferred anonymity, told AKnews, "The magnetic bomb exploded when an Iraqi army patrol was passing in the Qayyarah area that resulted in the injury of 11 people, including two Iraqi soldiers.""The magnetic bomb was placed inside a civilian car parked on the side of the road." - AKnews

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Zac Colvin