Commando Led Combined Operation Leads to Over $1.5 Million in Drugs Destroyed
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (June 3, 2011) – An Afghan Commando-led operation in Kajaki village in northern Helmand province led to the destruction of more than 1,000 pounds of black tar opium, worth more than $1.5 million, and 4 insurgents killed in action, June 2.
The operation was aimed at disrupting the local drug trade financing insurgent activity in the area. It was the most recent in a series of operations conducted in Kajki and led by Afghan National Security Forces.
The combined team quickly repelled the fire and directed villagers into a compound for safety.
The team then searched the village bazaar and discovered several large stockpiles of opium and other drug-making material, said the coalition Special Operations advisor. The drugs were later destroyed on the scene by the Commando-led force.
One of the four insurgents killed used a child as a human shield in an attempt to maneuver closer to the combined force, said a Commando team leader.
The child was later returned safely. Commandos also found an Improvised Explosive Device and a small weapons cache located inside of a mosque. The device was safely detonated with no damage to the mosque or injuries to coalition personnel, according to a Commando team leader.
“These insurgents are using this area to sell drugs and finance their illegal activities,” said an Afghan Commando who participated in the operation. “We have made a very strong impact on the insurgents’ ability to sell drugs and finance their activities in this region.”
No civilians were injured or property damage was reported during the operation.