Force clears insurgent safe house, destroys weapons cache

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.08.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens led Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance Forces to target an insurgent safe house in Helmand province Friday.

The targeted compound is known to be associated with a senior Taliban leader who is linked to the planning and execution of suicide improvised explosive device attacks, along with the facilitation of suicide bombers.

As the patrol approached the compound, two armed insurgents ran from the building and attacked the approaching security force. One of the insurgents detonated a suicide vest, killing himself in the blast.

The other was killed when the security force returned fire.

The combined force then surrounded the compound and was immediately engaged by several insurgents using small arms and grenades.

The combined force returned fire, killing several more insurgents. One additional insurgent died when he detonated a suicide vest.

While clearing the compound, coalition forces discovered multiple automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. One RPG was wired to a dead insurgent and was identified as a suicide bomb.

The explosives and weapons were safely destroyed by the patrol.

The combined force then moved to a nearby compound, and after securing and searching it, discovered a trapdoor with wires protruding from it. Upon closer examination, it was determined to be a large weapons cache consisting of mines and homemade-explosives that was rigged to explode.

The patrol pulled back to a safe distance and destroyed the cache in place.

• Date Taken: 10.08.2010
• Date Posted: 10.08.2010 09:37
• Story ID: 57745
• Location: KABUL, AF