Operation Champion Shield: ANSF, Paratroopers net huge weapons cache

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Sept. 24) – Afghan National Security Forces  and Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division discovered a large cache of weapons during a eliberate clearing operation, Sept. 24, in the Paktya province of eastern Afghanistan, as part of Operation Champion Shield.

The focus of Operation Champion Shield is directed towards targeting militant leaders, militant strongholds and save havens within Paktya.

Following intelligence gathered from previous operations, the ANSF and the International Security Assistance Forces air-assaulted in on two separate locations in search of militants and or weapons that may be used to harm Afghan civilians, ANSF and ISAF service members.

During the search of the first location, the Soldiers found various expended mortar shells, several mines and various improvised explosive device making materials.

At the second objective, the service members found more than 20 rounds of various ordnances, approximately 20 fuses, several mortars and mortar rounds, two rolls of detonation cord, several small boxes of ball bearings, anti-aircraft ammunition and two boxes of emulate, which is used as an civilian explosive substance.

“The removal of these explosives and weapons greatly decreases the effectiveness of the enemy of Afghanistan to carry out operations meant to cause harm to the innocent civilians of Afghanistan,” said Capt. Phonpiroun Sundara, a company commander with 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT, 25th ID.

All of the weapons found were handed over to the Explosive Ordinance Detachment for safe disposal.