RELEASE NUMBER: 071220-01
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 20, 2007

ANSF discover stockpile of anti-personnel mines in Nangarhar

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (CJTF-82 Public Affairs, Dec. 20, 2007)  – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, discovered a weapons cache of anti-personnel mines near Shadal Village, Sphingar District, Nangarhar Province, Dec. 17.

“The discovery and confiscation of the mines keep these very dangerous weapons out of the hands of insurgents and will make the area safer for Afghan residents,” said a Coalition forces soldier.  “Insurgents will now be unable to use these anti-personnel mines in attacks against ANSF or Coalition forces.” 

 “Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined areas in the world,” explained Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “Landmines already maim or kill more civilians in Afghanistan than in almost any other country in the world.  These landmines pose an ever present danger to villagers, and getting them out of the hands of insurgents will make Nangarhar Province, and the rest of Afghanistan a safer place.”

--usasoc--