Afghan, U.S. forces destroy roadside bombs in Zabul

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

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan security forces, partnered with members of a U.S. Special Operations team, located and destroyed two improvised explosive devices placed on a highway in Zabul province July 6.

The partnered response resulted from a tip by an Afghan citizen to the Shin Kay district governor. The district governor then contacted Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army, and members of a U.S. Special Operations team to coordinate a safe removal.

"In the past four months, seven of the eight IEDs located and destroyed in Shin Kay were a direct result of tips from Afghan citizens," said a U.S. Special Forces team sergeant involved with the partnered response. "This emerging trend of people rejecting insurgent activity in the area and calling in IED tips is win-win for everyone in the district."

Once the partnered force arrived at the site, the district governor, ANP, and ANA began searching the area with mine detectors and located two pressure-plate IEDs at a dip in the road.

"Both bombs were well-emplaced, deep into the dirt, and were difficult to dislodge," said the USSF sergeant.

Following discussions with the district governor and Afghan Forces, U.S. Special Operations team members were asked to destroy the explosives on site.

"This combined effort is indicative of the growing cooperation between the Afghan Security Forces, the Afghan government, and local citizens," said Sergeant 1st Class Andrew Kosterman, a CJSOTF-A spokesperson. "Putting IEDs on a public road demonstrates the Taliban have absolutely no regard for the safety and well being of the local population."