Paktya Villagers in Afghanistan Turn-in Weapon Caches

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN -  Afghan National Security Forces, working with villagers in Paktya Province, turned-in hundreds of weapons discovered throughout the province during the month of December. 

"Alerting ANSF of the cache discoveries, or turning-in weapons to Islamic Republic of Afghanistan authorities, shows the Afghan citizens are tired of insurgent activity in their region," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman.

In December, villagers of Paktya Province turned-in more than 700 weapons and various types of ammunition. So far, ANSF and Coalition forces have collected 247 rocket-propelled grenades and three launchers, 99 hand grenades, 124 anti-personnel mines, 11 82mm recoilless rifle rounds, 14 82mm mortars, 10 anti-tank mines, 200 anti-tank mine fuses, three remote-controlled improvised explosive devices, four Kalashnikov automatic machine guns and two RPD automatic machine guns.

Afghan Border Police and Afghan National Police have led the effort to rid the area of illegal weapons commonly used by insurgents. The combined force has actively engaged with tribal leaders, village elders and Afghan citizens throughout the province to convince them to root out weapons stores. 

"The ABP and ANP are working closely with citizens during their patrols to keep these weapons off the battlefield," explained Belcher.  "Through tribal engagements, key leader exchanges and talking with villagers, Afghans feel more secure and are willing to provide information leading to cache recovery." 

Most weapons caches were discovered when villagers alerted ANSF during security patrols in the province.  Other times, villagers brought the weapons to a military outpost in Chamkani District shared by ANSF and Coalition forces.

"Success is not measured in how many caches get turned-in," Belcher said, "but how the ABP and ANP use the information provided by villagers for future operations in the area."  

"People want to do the right thing," Belcher added.  "We are getting word of caches hidden in the wadis, and some are phoning in tips.  Getting these weapons off the street and out of the hands of insurgents will make the area safer for everyone."

Source: Bagram Media Center - Combined Joint Taskforce 82