Afghan, U.S. forces locate, destroy 14 IEDs

BADGHIS PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

07.18.2010

Courtesy Story

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Afghan National Army soldiers, assisted by members of a Marine Corps Special Operations Team, found and destroyed 14 improvised explosive devices in Badghis province July 18.

The Afghan-led force was operating near Morghab district to improve safety and security for people living in the village of Darrah-I-Bum when they received an anonymous tip from local residents about the presence of IEDs in the area.

Based on the tip, the combined force went to the area of interest and found IEDs planted in various locations throughout the village. The team established a cordon around the IED sites to ensure the safety of local residents. Once the area was secure, an ANA explosive ordnance disposal team disarmed and destroyed the IEDs.

According to U.S. military officials working in the Badghis area, the IED discovery is an encouraging step forward in the growing cooperation and partnerships between U.S. forces, the ANA, and local citizens.

“This is yet another example for of the Afghanistan National Army and Coalition forces working together to defeat insurgent activity,” said Marine Sgt. Brian Kester, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan spokesperson.

“Our combined team performed their mission masterfully and the destruction of these IEDs greatly diminished insurgent threats in the region.”

• Date Taken: 07.18.2010
• Date Posted: 07.23.2010 23:52
• Story ID: 53304
• Location: BADGHIS PROVINCE, AF