Military

Coalition Forces Dispose of IED in Paktia Province

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 24, 2006 – Coalition forces identified and disposed of an improvised explosive device near Forward Operating Base Zormat in Paktia province today after three people were seen emplacing it.

A combat patrol responded immediately to the scene, but the suspects fled before they could be captured.

"This is one more IED that will not harm Afghan civilians or coalition forces," said Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force 76.

Afghan and coalition forces have increased their ability to find and defeat IEDs, and Afghans report many to Afghan or coalition forces, he noted.

Also today, Afghans reported an IED to Afghan National Army soldiers in the Mata Khan District of Paktika province. The ANA soldiers disposed of the device, which had been emplaced outside a mosque.

On March 17, coalition forces disarmed an IED found in a mosque in Nangarhar province. An Afghan reported that IED to Afghan National Police officers.

(Based on a news release from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan.)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2006/20060324_4607.html