ISAF and Afghan special operations forces targeted an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan commander who recruits suicide bombers in Kunduz province in northern Afghanistan. From the ISAF press release:
Today, a combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Chahar Darah district, KUnduz province.
The leader trains insurgents to construct and use roadside bombs in attacks. Additionally, he recruits suicide bombers and plans attacks throughout Chahar Darah district. The security force also detained multiple suspected insurgents during the operation.
The Chahar Darah district remains a hub of activity for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and other foreign terrorist groups. Since May 2010, ISAF has reported on 12 raids in the district against the IMU, “foreign fighters,” and al Qaeda.
The Afghan provinces of Baghlan, Faryab, Kunduz, Sar-i-Pul, and Takhar are known strongholds of the IMU. Earlier this year, the International Security Assistance Force noted the location of suicide camps in both Sar-i-Pul and Samangan.
The IMU recently published a list of 87 of its fighters and commanders who have been killed during fighting in Afghanistan over the past year. Afghans dominated the list; 64 of the IMU operatives killed were from Afghanistan, and all were from the northern provinces: 23 were from Takhar province, 20 were from Baghlan, 9 were from Kunduz, 8 were from Samangan, 2 were from Faryab, and 1 each were from Sar-i-Pul and Badakhshan. See LWJ report, IMU names 87 ‘martyrs’ killed during past year, for more information.
For more information on the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and its activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, see LWJ report, IMU cleric urges Pakistanis to continue sheltering jihadis in Waziristan.
Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
