JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition aircraft killed a key northeastern Taliban leader during an air strike conducted April 20 in the Alishang District of Laghman Province.
Fateh Gul Haqparast, an important militant organizer and leader with extensive ties to the Hekmatyar Gulbuddin network, as well as Taliban extremists, died during the U.S. Air Force strikes.
Coalition sources described Haqparast as a significant regional Taliban leader involved in assassinations, improvised explosive device attacks and assaults on Afghan and Coalition facilities in Laghman and Kapisa provinces. The militant leader orchestrated attacks against the Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Alishang District Center as well as bombings of civilian and military targets.
Provincial political leaders said the strike will enhance regional security.
“The killing of this person is very good for the people of Laghman and for progress in our province,” said Gov. Gulab Mangal. “This will help Laghman become a better place.”
“This strike marks the sixth senior insurgent leader killed or captured in Laghman Province in the past three months,” added Army Maj. Stephen Grabski, operations officer, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. “The people of Laghman are clearly showing their intolerance for these insurgents through their actions in support of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Coalition forces will continue to support their actions to build their province and reduce enemy activity.”
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