Report From citizen results in destruction of 5300 pounds of IED material

AFGHANISTAN

07.01.2012

Story by Chief Petty Officer Bill Mesta 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

ZABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces coordinated with coalition forces to destroy approximately 5,300 pounds of improvised explosive device materials near Akazi village, Nawbahar district, Zabul province, June 25.

The ANSF were acting on a local resident’s report of two IED caches buried near the village.

“The caches included 35 bags of ammonium nitrate and 14 bags of aluminum powder,” said a coalition representative. “This was enough material to make approximately 150 IEDs.”

“Nawbahar’s ANSF led the 40km, cross-country ground movement to locate and seize the cache, demonstrating their capability and responsiveness,” said the coalition representative. “The patrol came under fire, while enroute to the caches, from insurgents who were attempting to deny access to the IED material.”

The discovery and destruction of these dangerous materials was credited to the bravery of village residents who reported the criminal activity, as well as the skill displayed by Nawbahar’s ANSF, said the coalition representative. This operation reduces the ability of insurgents to conduct violent crimes in the area.

• Date Taken: 07.01.2012
• Date Posted: 07.05.2012 07:54
• Story ID: 91114
• Location: AF