Afghan citizens prevent terrorist attack on U.S. base

By Combined Forces Command - AfghanistanJanuary 17, 2007

KABUL, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Jan. 17, 2007) - Two Afghan citizens prevented a terrorist attack yesterday morning when a vehicle loaded with explosives attempted to crash through the front gate of Camp Phoenix.

"Without any regard for their personal safety, a local Afghan security officer and an interpreter immediately recognized that this was a terrorist attack," said 1st Lt. Cathrin Fraker, Task Force Phoenix spokesperson.

"Together, the two prevented the driver from detonating his explosives after they failed to explode during the crash. With the assistance of the U.S. security forces, they dragged the terrorist from the vehicle where U.S. security force Soldiers then detained him," she explained.

The area was immediately evacuated and an explosive ordinance demolition, or EOD, team was called to the scene.

Security force Soldiers, with assistance from the Afghan National Police and U.S. Soldiers, immediately cordoned the area and waited for the EOD team to disarm the bomb.

"If it wasn't for the quick actions of the local nationals working for the U.S. Forces, several lives would have been lost," said Col. David B. Enyeart, deputy task force commander.

During an attempt to disarm the explosives, the device detonated. There were no U.S. or Coalition Soldiers injured, Fraker said.

"We are grateful for the bravery and the continued diligence of our Afghan partners and the security force Soldiers and who protect this base," Enyeart said.