Insurgent leader presumed dead from pre-emptive strike

International Security Assistance Forces targeted a known Taliban commander in a deliberate attack at approximately 3:50 p.m., Nov. 26, in the Pech District of Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan.

Dowron, the Taliban commander of the Pech River Valley, is presumed dead from a rocket attack.

Dowron was targeted because forces under his command killed many innocent Aghans, killed and wounded Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces, and attacked Afghan polling stations, infrastructure and economic ventures.

According to reports, Dowron was planning a major offensive on ISAF bases and the Chapa Dara district center in Kunar Province. The ISAF strike on Dowron occurred based on credible intellige

Intelligence received from multiple sources said that he was in a remote area away from major population centers.

ISAF followed strict guidelines regarding striking enemy targets to ensure minimum civilian casualties.

The Taliban commander was not only involved in offensives against ISAF forces and bases, propaganda, and coordinated attacks against ANSF, he also had ties to multiple al-Qaeda members. Dowron’s tactics included using Afghan civilians as human shields, which caused many civilian casualties, and he focused his energy on denying Afghans their democratic rights and economic freedom by attacking Afghans during the elections and Afghan businesses.