Kiwis, U.S. Soldiers recover munitions cache in Bamyan

BAMYAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Bamyan Embedded Training Team, part of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Wolverine, recovered a weapons cache in Bamyan Province Aug. 30.

The cache consisted of seven 107 mm rockets, six mortar rounds and 18 boxes of 12.5 mm ammunition. The PRT’s explosive ordnance detachment recovered most of the ordnance, except some that had to be blown in place due to its instability for transportation.

“Just the fact that those materials will be taken out of circulation and ultimately be destroyed enhances the security of the Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces,” said U.S. Army Col. Mike Berry, commander of the Bamyan Embedded Training Team.

The ETT was told the location of the cache from an Afghan civilian, said New Zealand Army Lt. Nick Fisher, the EOD team leader.

“The information that was provided was certainly accurate,” said Berry. “Whenever we can get cooperation from a citizen like that, it shows good will between the parties involved.”

Those with information concerning a weapons cache should call the provincial community safety call-in lines:

Bamyan Province: 079-925-3277

Parwan Province: 079-825-9059

Panjshir Province: 079-383-9591