Explosion damages bridge in Herat, USSOF assist in repairs

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

07.16.2010

Courtesy Story

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Members of a U.S. Special Operations team operating in Herat province are assisting Afghan citizens with repairs to a key bridge facility after insurgents damaged the structure with explosives, July 16.

The bridge serves as a key link between the villages of Bahktabad and Parmakan.

Local police from both villages initially responded to the explosion and reported structural damage to the bridge as well as the sounding roadway.

Afghan citizens on scene reported seeing a man, known to have ties to the local insurgency, digging at the base of the bridge and running away just before the bomb exploded.

“Insurgents damaged the bridge, but it will be rebuilt quickly,” said Marine Sgt. Brian Kester, a CJSOTF-A spokesperson. “This bridge once repaired will continue to serve the needs of the surrounding communities, and will demonstrate the desire by Afghans to overcome insurgent setbacks, and continue to rebuild their country.”

• Date Taken: 07.16.2010
• Date Posted: 07.18.2010 07:18
• Story ID: 53005
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF