Combined Forces locate drug cache in Panjwa’i

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KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (November 30, 2011) –

 The Afghan National Civil Order Police and Afghan National Police, combat advised by coalition Special Operations Forces (SOF), conducted a joint security operation in Panjwa’i district, Nov. 25-27.

            During the operation, the joint force seized and destroyed large quantities of marijuana, hashish, homemade explosives and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components. 
            On the initial discovery of more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana, explosives ordnance disposal technicians at the scene determined the marijuana was too dangerous to be moved, so the team burned the drugs in place. 
According to a representative from coalition SOF, as the marijuana was burning, the joint force observed 14 detonations coming from within the fire, most likely caused by ammunition, IED components and other explosives hidden by insurgents.
            In all, the operation yielded a total of 1,500 pounds of marijuana, 1,300 pounds of hashish, a rocket propelled grenade round, 140 pounds of homemade explosives and other various IED components.  All of the items were seized and destroyed by Afghan forces.
The joint force also discovered and destroyed four IEDs planted throughout the village by insurgents in an attempt to strike against Afghan and coalition forces in the area.
            The operation allowed Afghan forces to displace insurgents from their fighting positions as well as secure the village and the surrounding areas, said a representative from coalition SOF.  It also allowed forces to challenge the insurgents’ freedom of movement in the area as well as deny their safe havens within the district.
No civilian casualties or property damage resulted from these operations.

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Posted in: Afghanistan, IED, SOF