ALP Engage Taliban IED-Emplacers, Discover 4 PPIEDs in Panjwai

PANJWAI DISTRICT, AFGHANISTAN

06.20.2013

Story by Spc. Tyffani Collins 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

PANJWAI DISTRICT, Afghanistan – During a disruption patrol near Pay e Maluk village, Afghan Local Police (ALP) discovered several Taliban emplacing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near a grape hut in Panjwai district, Kandahar province, June 20.

The ALP engaged the Taliban with small arms fire, forcing them to retreat west into Zangabad near the Gargan Hills. Under the command of Rahd Shah, the police moved toward the grape hut where they discovered two pressure plate improvised explosive devices (PPIED) placed in the ground and two more stored inside the grape hut.

The Pay e Maluk ALP team took the explosives to the district center where all four PPIEDs were destroyed in place.

With the announcement of the final tranche, assuming full security responsibility clearly demonstrates that progress in Afghanistan is real and tangible. Though challenges remain, the ALP continues to grow in capability, confidence, and capacity every day. The brave actions of the ALP demonstrate their resolve and commitment to protecting their villages.

“I want to rid the area of all Taliban and their IEDs,” said Pay e Maluk ALP checkpoint commander Rahd Shah. “I want to make the area safe again so that all of my family and the rest of the villagers can return.”

The elders and villagers of Pay e Maluk currently live in Kandahar City for fear of what might happen if they return to their homes.

Just last week, a Taliban-emplaced IED killed one Afghan child and severely wounded another near the entrance of their family’s grape hut in the district. The two young victims were trying to gather food to feed their family’s animals when they stepped on the IED.

Pay e Maluk ALP, serving at the newest checkpoint in Panjwai, located 12 PPIEDs since June 13 during their daily patrols. According to Shah, they do not plan on stopping until they eradicate every IED in their village.

Afghan Local Police complement counterinsurgency efforts by assisting and supporting rural areas with limited Afghan National Security Forces presence, enabling conditions for improved security, governance and development.

• Date Taken: 06.20.2013
• Date Posted: 06.21.2013 05:57
• Story ID: 109016
• Location: PANJWAI DISTRICT, AF