Combined forces eliminate IED cells, secure weapons cache

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Soldiers from B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, recently conducted operations that targeted improvised explosive device cells, leading to weapons cache finds, insurgent hideouts and the identification of an insurgent IED team in the Mata Khan district, June 12.

The combined force conducted an air assault operation in the outskirts of Amanah village in Kushamond district, which is located at the northern edge of what is locally known as the Gwasta pass;

this was a suspected insurgent safe haven, said U.S. Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek, 3-187th spokesman, from Fort Campbell, Ky.

“Although insurgents were not on the objective area, we confirmed that this area has been utilized by the enemy to conduct meetings and possibly training,” said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Schwengler, B Company commander, from Bismark, N.D.  

With the goal of increasing security to the area by disrupting insurgents’ activities, the combined forces conducted foot patrols in addition to the air assault to help locate IED cells and insurgents.

This lead to the identification of several large holes in the surrounding area that were previously used to hide weapons caches, a mortar firing point with a mortar site, a Global Positioning System and an insurgent instruction manual, said Schwengler.

After the search, the combined force met with local villagers to discuss security and economic concerns, he added.

But another foot patrol in Mata Khan district, brought the combined forces to the heart of the action, where an insurgent IED attacked them with small arms and rocket propelled grenades.

The combined forces returned fire, killing three insurgents, with no ANSF or Coalition forces’ casualties.

After the attack, the ANSF confiscated an RPG launcher with rockets, multiple AK-47s and hand grenades, improvised explosive device materials, maps and instructional notes, said U.S. Army Capt. Robert Kellum, 3-187 intelligence officer, from Fort Campbell, Ky.

Kellum said striking this IED cell will keep the insurgents from effectively operating in this area for the next month, a thought shared by 3-187 commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio.

“The elimination of this IED cell will make it safe for people to travel between Sharana and Mata Khan,” said Fivecoat.

The combat air assault and patrols targeting IED cells have reduced the ability of insurgents to conduct operations against ANSF and Coalition forces in Paktika and help increase the overall security, said U.S. Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek, 3-187th spokesman, from Fort Campbell, Ky.