Afghan Commandos find explosives, extend security reach to outer Kandahar

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

09.02.2010

Courtesy Story

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Afghan Commandos with the 3rd Commando Kandak, advised and assisted by Coalition forces, found and destroyed multiple bomb-making materials in a remote region of Shah Wali Kot District, Kandahar province, Sept. 2.

“Commandos found a cache used to keep [improvised explosive device] supplies, which included 40 pounds of homemade explosives and two pressure-plate IED's,” said 1st Lt. Jawad, an officer with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak.

The Commandos also found an IED using a rocket-propelled grenade rigged into the ceiling of one of the villager’s homes, said Sgt. Qaados, a noncommissioned officer with the 3rd Commando Kandak.

The explosives were removed and reduced with no civilian casualties or property damage.

The Commandos spoke with village elders about the stability Afghan National Security Forces can bring to their region. The Commandos also treated an Afghan child who had been suffering from a broken arm.

“The level of respect and poise the Commandos showed not only the men but also the women and children cannot be understated,” said a U.S. Special Forces officer, whose team arrived on location with the Commandos. “This let the Afghan people see that their government is capable of protecting and caring for its citizens, even in mountain valleys like the one here in Shah Wali Kot.”

• Date Taken: 09.02.2010
• Date Posted: 09.06.2010 02:40
• Story ID: 55769
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF