Enormous munitions cache recovered

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

06.11.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police and Coalition forces received information from local villagers while conducting a medical engagement for 50 families, which led to the discovery of a massive munitions cache in the Chamkani district of Paktya province June 10.

Local Afghans from the village of Sultak provided information to the ANP on the whereabouts of an insurgent logistical improvised explosive device facilitator while conducting a shura. After receiving the information, the ANP quickly located and began searching the suspected compound.

While entering the compound, the ANP received sporadic enemy machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire. ANP immediately returned fire forcing the insurgents to flee. Once securing the compound, a subsequent search led to the discovery of the entrance of two large caves hidden under two animal pens.

Within the caves, ANP and Coalition forces recovered a substantial amount of munitions consisting of RPG rounds, 82mm mortar rounds, mines, grenades, blasting caps, machine gun ammunition, detonation cord, assorted fuses and charges, IED receivers and power sources, blocks of explosives, and medical supplies.

There were no injuries to any Afghan civilians or ANP members during the brief firefight.
Local elders were able to view the munitions cache and assisted ANP and Coalition forces in removing the contents of the cache. The elders also vowed to track down the IED facilitator and bring him to justice.

Afghan civilians who facilitate the recovery and turn-in of munitions caches are compensated for their efforts through the Small Rewards Program. The SRP was created to encourage and compensate Afghan civilians for their efforts to rid the country of weapons used by insurgent and foreign fighters.

"Afghan elders are making a significant difference improving the security and peace within their villages," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesperson. "With the support of the Afghan people, Afghan National Police and Coalition members will stop the death and destruction insurgent fighters offer and eliminate Afghanistan of its enemies."

• Date Taken: 06.11.2007
• Date Posted: 06.11.2007 15:43
• Story ID: 10776
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF