OEF Summary, Feb. 18, 2010: Forces Uncover Multiple Weapons Caches in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2010 -- Combined patrols of Afghan and international security forces uncovered multiple weapons caches during operations throughout Afghanistan yesterday.

In Helmand province last night, a security patrol found a large cache containing nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, three anti-aircraft weapons, 15 rocket-propelled grenades, 34 mortar rounds and other ammunition.

Also, a patrol found a weapons cache in Balkh province yesterday containing 15 Russian 122mm projectiles.

During a patrol in Kandahar last night, forces found a cache containing two artillery rounds, two grenades, an anti-tank mine, 400 rounds of ammunition and a radio.

All caches were destroyed.

In other operations yesterday:

• A combined Afghan and international security force searched a compound in Helmand province after reports indicated militant activity. The force detained two insurgents during the search. As they were leaving, a small team of militants attempted to set up a small-arms ambush. The force engaged them and killed one insurgent. The joint force later captured two others near the same compound.

• A security force searched a compound in Kandahar province last night after getting reports of militant activity. During the search, the joint force captured a Taliban commander connected to suicide bombings, foreign fighters and car bomb attacks.

• A combined force searched a series of buildings in Khost province. During the search the force captured a terrorist subcommander known as an experienced explosives manufacturer, tester and attack planner. Several other insurgents also were detained.

• In another Khost operation last night, a security force searched a compound after reports confirmed militant activity. During the search the joint force captured a terrorist sub-commander responsible for managing weapons caches, acquiring weapons for militant cells and obtaining illegal passports. When confronted the commander identified himself. The joint force also detained another insurgent. The search also uncovered multiple weapons, including rifles, a shotgun, automatic rifles and grenades.

(Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command news releases.)