THE TENSION: Combat Camera Video: IED Engagement in Helmand Province

NOTE: News readers click here to watch the video.

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 15, 2009 -- While conducting operations in southern Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Force AH-64 Apache helicopters, from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, observed insurgents placing an improvised explosive device. The location of the IED was on the main highway connecting the Helmand capital of Lashkar Gah with Kandahar City.

Insurgent operating along that highway routinely target Afghan national security forces and coalition forces with their deadly IEDs. Unfortunately, local civilians often become the victims of these indiscriminate attacks.

After taking all necessary precautions to ensure civilian safety, the ISAF helicopters used a precision weapon against the insurgents, preventing further IEDs from being placed.

"We are determined to assist our Afghan and Coalition security forces in protecting the Afghan people from the deadly and indiscriminate effects of insurgent emplaced IEDs," said Col. Paul Bricker, commander, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. "We remain most deliberate in our efforts to ensure battlefield effects do not harm innocent civilians.

"Our rotary wing aviation operations will continue to focus on supporting ISAF and local security forces in establishing the conditions necessary for a safer environment in southern Afghanistan and to assist in the Afghan people living their lives without fear of insurgent attacks," he said.

(Report and video, International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs, Length: 00:01:24.)