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KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan national security forces and coalition forces conducted a combined operation Saturday resulting in the detention of a key improvised explosive device facilitator and the destruction of a large weapons cache in Helmand province.
The combined forces targeted a compound in Helmand to search for the commander. He has been linked to the planning of several suicide attacks as well as being involved with the procurement and distribution of IED components and weapons.
Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings and secured the area. Women and children were protected throughout the operation.
During a search of the compound the combined forces found a large cache of IED components, including containers of home-made explosives, pressure plates, detonators, heavy machine gun components, approximately 20 mortar rounds, five rocket-propelled grenade war heads, approximately 300 30 mm rounds and a suicide vest. Opium was also found at the scene. The weapons and drugs were destroyed in place.
After the operation was complete, ANSF conducted a shura with the local residents to explain the operation.
"The removal of this insurgent leader is likely to affect the command and control of the Taliban in northern Helmand. Additionally, it will reduce the proliferation of IED components as well as other lethal-aid shipments, making the area safer for Afghans and combined forces," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director.
No civilians were injured during this operation.
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2010 10:48 |
| Story ID: | 54615 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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