Afghan-International Security Forces Seize Weapons Cache in Nangarhar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.25.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — A joint Afghan and international security force seized a weapons cache Friday night in Nangarhar province as part of the ongoing effort to disrupt Taliban operations, particularly suicide bomber and IED attacks against Afghan national army and international security units in the region.

The force searched the compound near the village of Malek Kala, about 40 kilometers southwest of Jalalabad, after intelligence indicated militant activity. During the operation, militants twice engaged the force with hostile fire. The first engagement came from a nearby treeline and the second from compound buildings. The force returned fire, killing several enemy combatants. The search continued without incident and eight suspected militants were detained.

The following weapons were uncovered and then destroyed: Two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one machine gun, nine assault rifles, seven grenades, five chest racks, communications gear and a large cache of ammunition.

Nangarhar province has seen increasing Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders continually seek to establish strongholds in the province to facilitate the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2009
• Date Posted: 07.25.2009 05:10
• Story ID: 36801
• Location: KABUL, AF