Afghan security forces find cache of explosive materials in Paktika

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

01.02.2014

Story by Chief Petty Officer Bill Mesta 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A Village Response Unit found more than 7,600 kilograms of explosive materials hidden in a truck Dec. 31 in a remote area of Paktika province.

VRU squads searched the truck after suspected insurgents abandoned it. They discovered 150 50kg bags of ammonium nitrate, four 25kg bags of potassium chlorate and about 900 meters of demolition chord under firewood and animal feed.

The VRU handed over the vehicle and explosive material to the provincial National Directorate of Security chief for forensic use.

Sar Howzah’s district Gov. Mohammad Masoom and provincial police Chief Mewar Khan congratulated the team. “[The] VRU team’s actions dealt a substantial blow to the Haqqani facilitation network in Paktika,” explained Masoom.

• Date Taken: 01.02.2014
• Date Posted: 01.02.2014 09:54
• Story ID: 118738
• Location: PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF