The Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) have seized and destroyed 3.75 tonnes of ammonium nitrate during an operation in Zabul Province on 30 December 2011.
Ammonium nitrate is a key component of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
It is estimated the amount of ammonium nitrate seized is enough to make approximately 290 IEDs.
Two persons of interest were detained and returned to Multi National Base - Tarin Kot to assist further investigations. The cache was destroyed in location.
Commanding Officer of Special Operations Task Group Lieutenant Colonel G, (whose full name cannot be used for security reasons) said the cache discovery was massive blow to the insurgency.
“Removing this amount of ammonium nitrate from the insurgents means hundreds of IEDs will not be manufactured, making Uruzgan and surrounding provinces safer for Afghan civilians, ANSF and Coalition forces,” Lieutenant Colonel G said.
“The ANSF and SOTG's efforts to locate this cache and disrupt insurgent networks will have a direct impact on insurgent activities in southern Afghanistan.”
Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
