BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces assisted by Coalition forces conducted a security patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in Tambah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, March 11.
The patrol was travelling through the village when a large group of insurgents engaged them with small arms, rockets, and indirect fire from multiple fighting positions. The ANSF-led force responded with precision munitions causing the remaining insurgents to retreat. During the engagement, friendly forces discovered a weapons cache and destroyed it in place.
ANSF discovered a pressure plate improvised explosive device in the middle of a road heavily travelled by Afghan citizens while pursuing the insurgents. ANSF quickly secured the area and destroyed the IED in place. Insurgents re-engaged with sporadic small arms and rocket fire from a trench line and ANSF responded with direct and indirect fire neutralizing the enemy and destroying two fighting positions.
Later in the day, friendly forces discovered and destroyed 1,600 pounds of ammonium nitrate in two different caches. The explosive substance is commonly used in IEDs, suicide vests and vehicles.
“The ability of the ANSF to identify this threat and immediately eliminate it, degraded the insurgents’ capability to hurt the Afghan people,” said Army Capt. Vannessa R. Bowman, a Coalition forces spokesperson.
The insurgents continued to engage the team with a wheeled multi-rocket launcher system until ANSF destroyed it with indirect fire.
During a final insurgent attack, several of the enemy were defeated when friendly forces countered their efforts with two aerial precision strikes.  The day-long battle was concluded with the discovery of a large insurgent fortification with numerous fighting positions, guard towers and underground tunnels.
“During multiple battles, the ANSF stood their ground despite the insurgents’ best efforts,” Bowman said. “On a daily basis, the ANSF are proving their courage by defeating the insurgents.”