Puzeh ALP locate, destroy bomb making factory

AFGHANISTAN

02.23.2012

Story by Cpl. Kyle McNally 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan Local Police, and their partner coalition special operations force, located and destroyed an insurgent bomb-making facility while on patrol near Puzeh village in the Sangin district, Feb. 23.

The Afghan-led force came under small-arms fire from insurgents in covered positions behind mud walls of what was believed to be an abandoned compound; and the insurgents continued to launch undisciplined fire at the patrol and into surrounding community endangering local residents.

The combined force responded to the insurgent threat with small-arms fires in self defense and to reduce further risk to the local village. After a short engagement the insurgent forces fled the area.

The ALP entered the compound and discovered a large cache of bomb-making materials and evidence of improvised explosive devices. The combined forces destroyed the bomb-making facility, with no resulting civilian casualties or property damage.

“The ALP, supported by the coalition SOF, are diligently working to protect local communities in the Helmand province from insurgent attempts to gain ground through violence, fear and intimidation of the Afghan people,” said a coalition SOF adviser.

• Date Taken: 02.23.2012
• Date Posted: 02.25.2012 02:31
• Story ID: 84330
• Location: AF