Commandos kill two insurgents, discover improvised explosive device facility, destroy large drug cache in Panjwa’i

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

02.14.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Warren Wright 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army Commandos, combat advised by members of coalition Special Operations Forces, killed two insurgents during an operation in the Panjwa’i district of southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, Feb. 14.

While conducting an operation to disrupt insurgent cells in the area, the commandos identified two insurgents attempting to arm an improvised explosive device.

After commandos engaging the insurgents, resulting in the two enemy insurgents being killed, the commandos discovered a drug cache nearby consisting of more than 3,100 pounds of marijuana seeds, 50 pounds of opium and 160 pounds of hashish. All of the drugs were destroyed on-site.

While conducting the operation, the commandos also identified a facility used to store and make IEDs. The facility contained multiple completed IEDs as well as the components to make additional IEDs. The area was secured and all of the IED components were destroyed in the facility.

Throughout the entire operation, the commandos discovered 10 additional IEDs that were randomly placed throughout the area. All of the IEDs were safely destroyed in place.

“Overall, the mission was successful in disrupting insurgent activity,” said a member of coalition SOF. “The disruption of activity in this area will hinder the insurgents’ ability to stage attacks on Afghan and coalition forces.”

No civilian casualties and no property damage occurred from these operations.

• Date Taken: 02.14.2012
• Date Posted: 02.17.2012 23:07
• Story ID: 84038
• Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF