ZABUL, Afghanistan–A child was injured by an improvised explosive device in the village of Sayagez, Arghandab district, Aug. 5.
After the boy found the IED, he attempted to transport it to a new location and it detonated.
The victim stated that the IED was round and bigger than a water bottle, said a coalition representative. When the boy picked up the IED he noticed that it contained something that looked like a finger.
The representative added that the object inside the bottle was likely a blasting cap.
The boy carried the IED for an undetermined amount of time and then decided to remove the “finger” from the device. As the boy took the blasting cap out of the IED, it detonated resulting in serious injuries.
The boy was treated for his injuries at a coalition medical facility.
Initially the victim claimed that his injuries were caused by a ricocheted bullet. After some questioning, the boy admitted being injured by an IED.
Once the victim was treated for his wounds, he informed coalition medical personnel that he saw more IEDs in the area where he sustained his injuries.
The boy volunteered to show officials where the other IEDs were located. The boy and his father accompanied coalition representatives to the area.
According to the coalition representative, the assistance of the injured boy resulted in the discovery of five additional IEDs.
If residents witness criminal activity or discover possible IEDs, they are encouraged to contact Afghan officials, said the coalition representative.
Insurgents have historically used IEDs to attack civilians, Afghan forces and coalition partners.
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