BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces arrested a key insurgent leader and two suspected improvised explosive device facilitators in Sherzad District in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 28.
 Acting on credible intelligence, Afghan National Police Unit 03 conducted a security patrol in the area and searched a compound that served as a suspected insurgent safe-house.  During the search, security forces arrested Zabid Zahir, the suspected commander of the Hizb-e-Islami-Gulbuddin terrorist organization in Sherzad District.  Intelligence indicates Zahir has significant ties to weapons and equipment smuggling in western Nangarhar Province.  It is also believed Zahir uses his safe-house to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters into the area.
 Zahir is also suspected of supplying weapons and improvised explosive devices for use against villagers and Afghan security forces and funding insurgent operations throughout the province.
 “His arrest will significantly disrupt insurgent activities in Nangarhar Province,” explained ANP Provincial Police Chief General Ghafar.
The ANP arrested an individual suspected of drafting ‘night letters’ designed to intimidate local villagers and spreading insurgent propaganda while searching another compound.  A second suspected insurgent was detained by the ANP at the same location.  Both are thought to have connections to recent IED attacks in the province.
Immediately following the operation, the Sherzad District Chief of Police held a meeting, or Jirga, with village elders and members of the Provincial Council.  At the meeting, the ANP Police Chief explained why the insurgents were arrested and described some of their illegal activities in the province.
“The arrest of these suspected insurgents will result in a positive change for the western Nangarhar Province,” said a Coalition forces commander.  “Members of the Provincial Council praised ANP forces for capturing them.”
“This operation shows the ANSF continue to take the fight to the enemy, keeping the pressure on the insurgency throughout the winter,” explained Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.