THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nato and Afghan forces have captured the leader of the Afghan branch of the Haqqani network, dealing a severe blow to one of the country's most dangerous anti-Western insurgent groups.
The announcement marks the second major victory against militant figures in 24 hours, following the death of Anwar al-Awlaqi, the key al-Qaeda propagandist in Yemen.
The detention of Haji Mali Khan, the uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani - the day-to-day leader of the group - comes amid intense American pressure on Afghanistan's neighbour Pakistan to act against the Haqqanis, who are closely associated with al-Qaeda and blamed for a string of high-profile attacks on Western targets.
Mali Khan was captured in Paktia, south-eastern Afghanistan close to the border with Pakistan, according to a statement issued by Isaf, the Nato-led force.
"Although he was heavily armed during the operation that led to his capture, Mali Khan submitted to the security force without incident or resistance," it said, describing his capture as a "significant milestone" in disrupting the group.
Officials said a large number of insurgents were also captured during the operation, including Mali Khan's deputy and bodyguard. » | Rob Crilly in Islamabad | Saturday, October 01, 2011
