Afghan Commandos capture four militants, find weapons cache in central Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

04.23.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan national army commandos of the 205th Corps and coalition forces disrupted a Taliban network in the Nadi Ali District last night, when they detained four armed militants and confiscated a large cache of bomb-making materials in Helmand province.

Commandos found and destroyed more than 40 pounds of homemade explosive material, 12 rocket propelled grenades, five mortar rounds and 45 pressure plates used to manufacture bombs.

Women and children residing in the compound were moved to a secure location while the commandos destroyed the weapons cache. The four armed militants were taken into custody by the commandos.

The early morning cordon and search of the compound that was known to house bomb makers, denied the Taliban the ability to carry out attacks on civilians and coalition forces.

Earlier this week in the same area, coalition strikes destroyed two anti-aircraft heavy weapons systems that the insurgents were planning to use against coalition forces.

"The Afghan national army commandos continue to successfully lead operations that are helping to bring security to Afghanistan," said a coalition spokesperson. "The commandos will rid the country of militants, who create havoc and prevent progress."

• Date Taken: 04.23.2009
• Date Posted: 04.23.2009 10:03
• Story ID: 32764
• Location: KABUL, AF