Afghan, U.S. Forces Nab Four Suspects, Net Big Ammo Cache

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 10, 2007 - Afghan and coalition security forces captured four suspected terrorists and seized a large weapons cache during two separate joint operations Oct. 8, officials said. Afghan and U.S. troops captured four suspected militants during a joint raid in the Gardez district of Paktia province, officials reported. Acting on credible intelligence, the combined force proceeded to compounds where the suspected anti-coalition militants were thought to be hiding.

A search of the compounds resulted in the capture of four individuals with suspected ties to extremist forces. The detainees will be questioned as to their involvement in extremist activities. There were no indications of injuries or deaths to noncombatants. Minor damage was done to buildings during the course of operations.

In the other operation, Afghan and coalition security forces confiscated a large ammunition cache in the Qalat district of Zabul province. The cache was hidden inside a compound near Jarollah village. It contained 100 rocket-propelled-grenade rounds, 6,400 machine-gun rounds and more than 150,000 AK-47 rifle rounds. The confiscated ammunition was in pristine condition, officials said.

"This is an excellent example of the (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan) government developing their own intelligence and preventing Taliban fighters from wounding and killing Afghan civilians," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "This is a strong warning to the Taliban that Afghans are taking responsibility for their own protection and safety."

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)