ANSF-led combined force finds weapons cache in Oruzgan Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, discovered a weapons cache atop a ridge line in Shahidi Hasas District, Oruzgan Province, Dec. 24. 
The combined force was conducting a security patrol Dec. 23 near the villages of Pasaw and Dosnag when a group of insurgents attacked from the ridgeline with mortars, recoilless rifles, and small-arms fire. 
After the insurgents fled the area, ANSF and Coalition forces were able to thoroughly search the enemy defensive position, discovering several weapons, including an improvised explosive device.
 “Our team discovered an IED placed on the only vehicle route across the ridge,” said a Coalition forces commander. “We dismantled the IED and brought all of the components back for analysis.  We also discovered a Chinese-made anti-personnel mine on the ridge that was emplaced in the sand along the ridgeline.”
 The team also found several 82mm high-explosive mortar rounds hidden in a previously manned enemy fighting position.  The weapons were placed in an area where villagers travel and represented a clear danger to residents.
 Villagers left Pasaw and Dosang in November when insurgents moved in to the are, but are starting to return home.
 “Removing the insurgents from the area and finding their weapons caches is critical to making this area safe for residents,” an ANSF soldier said.  “Now that the insurgents have been removed, the villagers are moving back into their homes.”
 “The Taliban are a destructive force that targets innocent Afghan civilians,” said Army Maj. Chris Blecher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.  “Displacing villagers and placing IEDs and anti-personnel mines along roadways and trails in these areas shows the Taliban’s complete disregard for the safety of the Afghan people.”