Regional Command West
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force- Afghanistan

FARAH, Afghanistan (September 13, 2011)– Coalition Special Operations Forces successfully located and captured an enemy heavy weapon in a nearby cave after receiving a tip about its location in the Kahk-e Safed village, Kahk-e Safed district, Sept. 6.

The information was provided by local villagers who recently began cooperating with Afghan National Security Forces and SOF.

The cave contained a ZPU 2, a double barreled 14.5 mm anti-aircraft gun, and high explosive and armor piercing rounds for the gun. In addition, the cave contained 82 mm mortar parts and rounds.

SOF team members safely detonated the ammunition in place and transported the ZPU back to the local Afghan compound. No injuries or property damage occurred during the controlled detonation.

A SOF team member reported that it’s a great sign to see villagers provide information to the ANSF and SOF teams about weapons caches and the location of heavy weapons.

Afterward, a message was played over the local radio station stating: “The Government of Afghanistan thanks you for reporting the activities of insurgents to the proper authorities.”