Afghans report, turn in explosives, weapons

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.12.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - A weapons cache and explosive material were taken out of enemy hands after locals reported and turned in the items in eastern and southern Afghanistan in the last two days.

A man brought 65 directional fragmentation charges to a combat outpost in Kandahar province, Tuesday, Oct. 12. The charges appear to have been mass produced and had detonation cord attached to them.

The charges have been safeguarded in a destruction pit and will be destroyed in place.

International Security Assistance Force officials encourage people who find weapons to alert service members and not handle the devices.

In eastern Afghanistan, a tip from an Afghan civilian about a possible cache in the Gardez District, Paktiya province, led to the discovery of a large jug of homemade explosive material and several artillery rounds, Monday, Oct. 11.

Explosive ordnance disposal teams were dispatched to the locations and the chemicals were safely destroyed with no harm to civilians in the area.

"This is a great example of Afghans using the Guardians of Peace program," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The program encourages Afghan civilians to use their local tip lines to call Afghan National Security and coalition forces and alert them to the presence of illegal weapons and explosives."

The Guardians of Peace allows Afghan citizens to report any illegal weapons or Taliban activity anonymously. When their information is confirmed, they will be monetarily rewarded for useful information.

To date, a total of almost $1 million has been paid to Afghan civilians, according to program officials.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2010
• Date Posted: 10.12.2010 10:45
• Story ID: 57947
• Location: KABUL, AF