Coalition and Afghan forces in Afghanistan have added two significant arrest to their recent efforts. The first, Mullah Mahmood, was captured while fleeing the Panjwaii district of the Kandahar province. He was captured at a check-point after Afghan soldiers recognized his burqa was a disguise. Mahmoud is believed to be a senior Taliban commander responsible for aiding suicide bombers in Afghanistan. The second capture included a leading al-Qaeda operative and bomb maker, along with five other suspected terrorists, in a Coalition led raid in the Nangarahar province. No names have been released at this time.

Today marks the second day of the Coalition’s latest offensive - Operation Achilles - aiming at increased security in the Helmand province. A Royal Marine was killed yesterday in combat related to the operation.