thedrifter
01-14-09, 06:36 AM
From The Times
January 14, 2009
Marines uncover Taleban bomb factory
Michael Evans, Defence Editor
One of the largest hauls of weapons, explosives and bomb-making equipment ever found in southern Afghanistan has been uncovered by the Royal Marines in a huge underground cavern in Kandahar province, the Ministry of Defence disclosed yesterday.
The hidden bomb factory was discovered after a night-time assault last week on a Taleban compound which involved elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines, a Royal Canadian battle group and Afghan troops.
In an operation codenamed Shahi Tandar (Royal Storm), the combined troops launched a helicopter and ground assault on an isolated Taleban stronghold to the north of Kandahar city. During a search of 50 compounds and other buildings, the coalition troops seized eight insurgents and a massive stockpile of weapons, including AK47s, grenades, anti-personnel mines and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Hidden in the underground cavern were all the ingredients for making improvised explosive devices, such as pressure-plate triggers, explosives, detonators, fuses and ball-bearings, used to create shrapnel. A store of 20 kilos of opium was also discovered.
During the operation which lasted for two days, a Canadian soldier was killed.
The Marines from 42 Commando were used in the operation because they are serving as a regional battle group, based at Kandahar airport, and can be deployed anywhere in southern Afghanistan.
Ellie
January 14, 2009
Marines uncover Taleban bomb factory
Michael Evans, Defence Editor
One of the largest hauls of weapons, explosives and bomb-making equipment ever found in southern Afghanistan has been uncovered by the Royal Marines in a huge underground cavern in Kandahar province, the Ministry of Defence disclosed yesterday.
The hidden bomb factory was discovered after a night-time assault last week on a Taleban compound which involved elements of 42 Commando Royal Marines, a Royal Canadian battle group and Afghan troops.
In an operation codenamed Shahi Tandar (Royal Storm), the combined troops launched a helicopter and ground assault on an isolated Taleban stronghold to the north of Kandahar city. During a search of 50 compounds and other buildings, the coalition troops seized eight insurgents and a massive stockpile of weapons, including AK47s, grenades, anti-personnel mines and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Hidden in the underground cavern were all the ingredients for making improvised explosive devices, such as pressure-plate triggers, explosives, detonators, fuses and ball-bearings, used to create shrapnel. A store of 20 kilos of opium was also discovered.
During the operation which lasted for two days, a Canadian soldier was killed.
The Marines from 42 Commando were used in the operation because they are serving as a regional battle group, based at Kandahar airport, and can be deployed anywhere in southern Afghanistan.
Ellie