Local News

Bragg paratroopers seize Afghan weapons cache

Fort Bragg-based paratroopers seized a weapons cache Friday in the Bagram district of Afghanistan's Parwan province.

Posted 2009-06-15T14:03:24+00:00 - Updated 2009-06-15T14:03:24+00:00

Paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne's Special Troops Battallion discovered a weapons cache in Afghanistan Friday, June 12, 2009. Many of such munitions are used by insurgents in making improvised-explosive devices to target U.S. and ISAF service members and Afghan civilians. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army)

Fort Bragg-based paratroopers seized a weapons cache Friday in the Bagram district of Afghanistan's Parwan province.

The munitions seized included more than 180 anti-aircraft rounds, nine mortars and two artillery rounds. An explosive ordnance disposal team disposed of the weapons safely.

"Removing these weapons from the Parwan province will inhibit the insurgents' ability to use them for improvised devices and indirect fire against Afghan civilians," said Lt. Col. Christopher Eubank, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's Special Troops Battalion.

The 82nd's Special Troops Battalion is serving a 12-month deployment as part of Task Force Gladius in the Parwan province under the International Security Assistance Force.

"This isn't a typical mission for a support battalion, but our paratroopers are motivated, and we're focused on protecting the Afghan people from these ruthless militants," said Eubank.