Second anti-aircraft gun destroyed by Coalition Forces in Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.21.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — For a second time in less than 12 hours, coalition forces used a precision strike to successfully destroy an anti-aircraft weapon system in the Nadi Ali District of Helmand province today.

Coalition forces learned through villagers' reports that militants in Nadi Ali had obtained a ZPU-1 anti-aircraft gun and were staging it on the back of a pick-up truck for use against friendly forces' aircraft. The militants were seen firing the weapon in the vicinity of the local bazaar, endangering the lives of those nearby.

"Use of these weapons by militants in such a populated area shows their total disregard for innocent human lives," said a coalition spokesperson.

Coalition forces located and positively identified the ZPU-1, loaded and ready for use, mounted to the back of a pickup truck. After ensuring there were no non-combatants in the area, coalition forces used a precision strike to destroy the weapons system.

In recent months, militants in the area have unsuccessfully attempted to use surface-to-air fire against coalition aircraft.

No coalition force or non-combatant casualties were reported as a result of the precision strike.

"The destruction of these two dangerous weapons systems in such a short period of time is a giant step toward peace and stability in the area," said a coalition forces spokesman. "Coalition forces will not rest until the threats against the people of Afghanistan have been eliminated."

• Date Taken: 04.21.2009
• Date Posted: 04.21.2009 08:15
• Story ID: 32651
• Location: KABUL, AF