ASSF remove 500kg of bomb precursors from terrorist and insurgent networks

Photo By Marty Schaeffer | Afghan Special Security Forces seized 500 kilograms of urea during nighttime operations in Khawar District, Logar province, April 12-13, 2018. The Mani Kalay Bazaar, where the urea and other materials where seized, has served as a hub for Taliban/Haqqani network leadership to facilitate the sale and storage of narcotics. The removal of HME and other IED materials disrupts their ability to conduct high-profile attacks in the region. (Courtesy photo)  

AFGHANISTAN

04.24.2018

Story by Lt. Amy Forsythe 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

Afghan Special Security Forces conducted a nighttime operation in Kharwar District, Logar Province, Apr. 12-13, 2018. They seized 500 kilograms of urea and other materials for making homemade explosives.

Urea nitrate is a fertilizer-based high explosive that has been used in improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and in various other terrorist acts elsewhere in the world, like the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.

The Mani Kalay Bazaar, where the materials where seized, has served as a hub for Taliban/Haqqani network leadership to facilitate the sale and storage of narcotics. The removal of HME and other IED materials disrupts their ability to conduct high-profile attacks in the region.

“U.S. and Afghan strikes against Taliban narco-insurgency enablers are destroying the revenue stream that allows the Taliban to function.” said Resolute Support Commander, Gen. John Nicholson.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2018
• Date Posted: 04.24.2018 08:22
• Story ID: 274224
• Location: AF