Afghan, U.S. forces destroy IED, protect children in Kandahar

By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - AfghanistanJuly 10, 2010

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Afghan National Police, assisted by members of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, destroyed an improvised explosive device planted in a soccer field in Khakrez district in northern Kandahar province July 3.

The IED discovery comes as Afghan National Police are attempting to improve safety and security for residents of Kandahar province.

"It's hard not to believe this was an attempt to target local children or Afghan families who play on this soccer field," said a CJSOTF-A team sergeant involved with the partnered response.

Combined forces received information on the IED as an anonymous tip from local residents in the Khakrez area. Members of the Afghan National Police initially located the IED and established security around the field to ensure the safety of local residents. Afterward, an explosive ordnance disposal squad went in to investigate and indentified the IED as an antipersonnel mine. The device was then disarmed and removed from the soccer field.

U.S. military officials working in the Kandahar area said the IED discovery is a step forward in the growing cooperation and partnerships between U.S. Forces, Afghan National Police, and local citizens.

"The Afghan police demonstrated their competence and effectiveness in today's operation," said Sergeant 1st Class Andrew Kosterman, a CJSOTF-A spokesperson. "We will continue supporting the ANP in their efforts to bring security to their country as needed."

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