A captured Taliban commander behind bombings and kidnappings in Afghanistan's Oruzgan Province is linked to many of the group's senior leaders, the Defence Department says.
Mullah Saqi Dad was captured and detained in an operation led by the Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) last Wednesday, as part of a NATO-led project.
He was responsible for coordinating suicide and road bombs throughout the province, and kidnapped several Afghan civilians.
"He has been connected to Mullah Berader Akhund, the second in command to the leader of the Taliban movement, Mullah Omar," Defence spokesman Brigadier Brian Dawson said in a statement.
Brig Dawson said targeting the Taliban's leadership and removing their ability to coordinate bombings was "key to creating an environment in which the Afghan National Security Forces can establish themselves and provide security for the Oruzgan locals".
Mullah Saqi Dad will be detained by Afghan authorities under an agreement between the Dutch and Afghan governments.
