ANSF 8th Commandos destroy an anti-personnel mine cache in Uruzgan

URUZGAN, AFGHANISTAN

07.19.2012

Story by Chief Petty Officer Bill Mesta 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

URUZGAN, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces soldiers attached to the 8th Commando Kandak partnered with coalition forces to destroy an anti-personnel mine cache near the village of Sajawul, Tarin Kowt district, July 19.

The Afghans led the operation to reduce the insurgent capabilities to commit violent crimes against the region’s residents.

The Afghan forces destroyed an explosives stockpile consisting of 12 homemade anti-personnel mines. The cache also contained raw improvised explosive device chemicals and eight homemade blasting caps.

The cache was found based on information gathered by the 8th Commandos.

“The ANSF soldiers planned and executed this operation, utilizing their own intelligence and informant network, with minimal oversight from coalition partners,” said the coalition representative. “This operation is an excellent example of the 8th Kandak’s ability to conduct operations, and demonstrates the value of coalition mentorship.”

Insurgents have historically deployed IEDs to target civilians, ANSF and coalition partners.

• Date Taken: 07.19.2012
• Date Posted: 07.23.2012 04:23
• Story ID: 91990
• Location: URUZGAN, AF