Qari Tahir was killed Tuesday in Wardak province in a precision air strike after being located along with an associate, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
“Tahir coordinated ambush attacks against Afghan forces and led fighters under his control to conduct hijackings of convoy vehicles. Additionally, he facilitated abductions and held his hostages for ransom,” ISAF said.
The statement added, “Tahir was the Taliban’s top leader in Tangi Valley and was the target of a previous combined operation on Aug. 5, 2011, that resulted in the loss of the CH-47 Chinook last month. He led a group of insurgent fighters throughout the valley and was known to use roadside bombs and rockets to intimidate the local populace.”
No civilians were harmed in the strike, ISAF said.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member