KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 16, 2012) — An Afghan and
coalition security force today arrested the Taliban leader responsible
for the death of two American service members following a Sept. 5
helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan.

The Taliban commander
was successfully taken into custody by the security force following a
joint effort by Afghan and coalition forces to identify and track down
the Taliban insurgents responsible for the Sept. 5 attack. No civilians
were harmed during the operation.

The Taliban leader and his
insurgent cell coordinated the attack that downed an OH-58 Kiowa
helicopter, killing both service members aboard.

The security
force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized improvised
explosive device components and Taliban-associated materials during this
operation.