Patrol finds explosive, IED materials, destroys heavy weapons

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.18.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL -Afghan national security and coalition forces found and destroyed explosives, numerous improvised explosive device-making materials and two heavy machine guns during a targeted operation in Helmand province Sept. 18.

The person the patrol was looking for is a senior Taliban commander in the southern Musa Qaleh District. He is a known rocket and mortar expert responsible for numerous attacks on Afghan security forces. He is also a critical IED, explosives and weapons supply link between insurgent in Pakistan and southern Musa Qaleh.

Afghan and coalition forces surrounded the suspected insurgent compound and entered after unsuccessful callouts. They found several women and children in one of the buildings and protected them throughout the search. The targeted Taliban commander was not found.

Acting on tips, the force then went to an outer building where a suspected cache site was located. Upon investigation, Afghan and coalition explosive experts found two heavy machine guns, small army weapons, explosives and numerous IED-making materials. They also found what appeared to be an explosive storage room with numerous tripwires and determined the building was rigged to explode.

The explosive experts deemed the room dangerous to the civilians living in and around the compound, as well as the patrol. After protecting civilians and moving to a safe distance from the building, the explosives were destroyed.

• Date Taken: 09.18.2010
• Date Posted: 09.19.2010 10:32
• Story ID: 56579
• Location: KABUL, AF