Fed: Aust, Afghan troops capture Taliban leader

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2010
Fed: Aust, Afghan troops capture Taliban leader

A Taliban insurgent commander .. suspected of being behind bomb attacks which wounded
four Australian soldiers last month .. has been captured.

MULLAH FAQIR was a key tactical commander for the insurgency as it tried to re-establish
itself in Oruzgan at the beginning of the traditional summer fighting season.

Australian Middle East commander Major General JOHN CANTWELL says his capture is a
significant blow to the Taliban's ability to plan and coordinate attacks against NATO-led
coalition forces.

MULLAH FAQIR and four others were caught on April 12 and he's been transferred to Afghan
security services to be tried.

AAP RTV mb/crh

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST (CANBERRA)

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