Afghan and coalition forces today
confirmed the death of two senior Taliban leaders, including the
suspected mastermind of the August 2008 ambush which left numerous
French soldiers dead and 21 wounded.
NATO-led International Security
Assistance Force following a statement on Tuesday announced, The Taliban
leaders, Mullah Hazrat and Shakir, were killed in a precision airstrike
Sunday when Afghan and coalition forces positively identified a group
of armed insurgents in Alisheng district, Laghman province, and engaged
them.
The source further added, Mullah Hazrat
is believed to have planned and directed the Aug. 18, 2008, ambush, 40
miles east of Kabul, which resulted in a two-day running battle between
ISAF and Afghan security forces and more than 100 Taliban insurgents.
In the years since, Mullah Hazrat was
promoted to serve as the Taliban leader for Alisheng district, ISAF said
following the statement addign that he is believed to have ordered
several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in recent months,
including the use of suicide bombers in Kabul. He also coordinated the
movement of foreign insurgents from Pakistan into the country.
ISAF also said, Shakir also known as
Attullah, was one of Mullah Hazrat’s associates and believed to be
responsible for several ambushes and attacks throughout western Laghman.
At the time of his death, Shakir was suspected of attempting to recruit
foreign insurgents to rebuild his attack cell.
A post-strike assessment determined no civilian property was damaged and no civilians were harmed, ISAF confirmed.


Taliban militants group yet to comment regarding the report.