ANSF find weapons caches, apprehend insurgent

AFGHANISTAN

04.21.2012

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Ginther 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces discovered two insurgent weapons caches and apprehended a known insurgent during patrols in Khas Uruzgan district, April 18-19.

During a patrol April 18, the Dahane Sangu Afghan Local Police commander informed coalition Special Operations Forces about an intelligence report indicating the presence of a weapons cache on a hillside overlooking a known Taliban commander’s compound in Sorkbini village. ALP and coalition SOF arrived on scene and recovered hand grenades, rocket-propelled grenade rounds and launcher, more than 400 rounds of small-arms ammunition, rifle magazines, tactical vests, a machine gun, a pistol, a radio and improvised explosive device components.

The next day, ALP and Afghan Uniformed Police discovered a cache of bolt-action rifles and captured a wanted Taliban facilitator while on patrol in Bum village. The man ran from a compound, but after a short pursuit, ANSF captured and escorted him to an Afghan security compound. The ALP commander leading the patrol questioned the detainee before AUP transferred him to their district police headquarters for processing into the Afghan judicial system.

“We’re steadily seeing ANSF fuse intelligence and make huge gains on their security patrols,” said a coalition SOF member. “The teamwork between Khas Uruzgan’s security forces is a shining example of just how far these forces have come.”

Since being established through a decree by Afghan President Karzai in 2010, the ALP, administered by the Ministry of the Interior, has seen tremendous success in security and protecting Afghan villagers. The overall results enable Afghans to take responsibility for their own safety from insurgent attacks and build trust with the local populace.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2012
• Date Posted: 04.23.2012 10:23
• Story ID: 87169
• Location: AF