OEF Update, Nov. 25, 2009: Weapons Cache Found in Paktia; Food Distribution in Kandahar City; US Casualty

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 25, 2009 -- Afghan and international forces located a weapons cache in Paktia province Nov. 20.

The unit was patrolling in the Jani Khel district with international forces to determine the possible presence of insurgents. During the patrol, civilians in the area informed the ANSF about a weapons location belonging to anti-Afghan fighters.

The ANSF searched the area and found two rockets, a machine gun, four AK-47s, two bolt action rifles and 2,000 rounds of assorted ammunition. Several men were detained during the search of the area.

One man admitted the weapons were intended to be used against American and Afghan government officials and had originated from a high-level insurgent commander in the region.

ISAF distributes food and gifts in Kandahar City and nearby district centers ISAF service members distributed food and gifts to several families living near Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City and nearby district centers Nov. 21 in preparation for the celebration of Eid al-Adha.

The provincial reconstruction team donated sugar, rice, raisins, tea, prayer carpets and prayer scarves.

“These gifts of goodwill are a present for our friends at this special time of year,” said Maj. Bill Green, civil-military cooperation team chief in Kandahar. “This donation demonstrates we are standing by our Afghan friends during the celebration of Eid.”

Civil-military cooperation teams have worked with community leaders in the Kandahar City area to build relationships. Through these relationships, local leaders helped to identify the people most in need of support.

ISAF Casualty:

One U.S. servicemember was killed during an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan Monday.
(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)