An Afghan-led force killed more than 20 insurgents and destroyed more than 40 improvised explosive devices in northwestern Kandahar province during a three-day operation that ended Nov. 29.
The operation consisted of forces from the Afghan Border Police and Afghan National Army commandos, partnered with soldiers from Special Operations Task Force – South.
As the forces cleared their initial objective, area citizens provided information leading to further exploitation of the surrounding areas. The information came during evening shuras between area residents and the partnered force.
Following these discussions, the combined element decided to continue the operation past its planned 24-hour timeframe.
In all, the operation led to the discovery of two drug processing facilities, multiple explosives manufacturing facilities including nearly nine tons (8,500 kilograms in 170 50-kilogram bags) of explosives, 41 Kalashnikov assault rifles and eight high-caliber machine guns with 1,000 rounds.
The partnered force also cleared 41 IED's from the area.
Elsewhere in northern Kandahar province’s Shah Wali Kot district, the District Governor Haji Obidullah and Afghan National Army special forces, along with their from Special Operations Task Force – South partners, located two weapons storage sites following tips from local citizens, Nov. 28.
The partnered force found almost 10,000 rounds of ammunition, multiple 82 mm mortar rounds, five rocket-propelled grenade warheads and a wide variety of IED-making material to include detonation cord, blasting caps and pressure plates.
Also in Kandahar province’s Arghandab district, Afghan National Police recovered two IED's along a well-travelled road Nov. 29. Soldiers from Special Operations Task Force – South safely disposed of the IED's.
No civilian casualties or property damage resulted from these operations.
Article by ISAF Joint Command