Taliban bomb specialist captured

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Six insurgents including an alleged Taliban bomb maker were captured Tuesday in Kandahar, Afghanistan, during an early morning raid.

Officials say intelligence reports led Afghan and coalition forces to a compound where the suspects, including a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator, were arrested. Troops also uncovered bomb-making material and weapons among other munitions, the Combined Joint Task Force 82 reported.

“Afghan national security forces continue to get stronger and more proficient as they continue to conduct counterinsurgency operations,” Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman, said in a statement.

Additionally, in operations to disrupt an al-Qaida foreign fighters and weapons-facilitation network in Kunar province, coalition forces raided another compound where a small-arms firefight ensued and several militants were killed as a result along with five others being detained.

"Coalition forces will pursue every avenue to prevent the resurgence of al-Qaida's violent influence on the people of Afghanistan," Belcher said. "No effort will be spared as we continue to dismantle their already faltering extremist networks so the Afghan people can one day be free to choose their own destiny."