BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, discovered and destroyed one unexploded anti-personnel mine located near an elementary school in Chamkani Village, Chamkani District, Paktya Province, Jan. 20.
 Local construction workers discovered the land mine while digging an irrigation ditch in Chamkani.  They immediately alerted the Afghan National Police to investigate.  ANP and Coalition engineers came to the scene to investigate. The ANP cordoned off the area and alerted local citizens to the danger. 
The engineers identified the device as an old Soviet-era anti-personnel mine, buried about two feet below the surface. 
 “According to local residents, the area had been cleared at least five times since the Soviet withdrawal,” explained Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Coalition spokesman.
 “Afghan National Security Forces continue to find anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, as well as improvised explosive devices all over Afghanistan,” Belcher said. “When the mines are discovered, ANSF remove them to make the area safer for Afghan citizens.  The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to protecting the Afghan people.”

A Coalition Soldier scans for unexploded ordnance after construction workers discovered a unexploded anti-personnel mine located near an elementary school in Chamkani Village, Chamkani District, Paktya Province, Jan. 20. Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers neutralized the ordnance, making the area safe. (U.S. Army Photo)

Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, discovered and destroyed a unexploded anti-personnel mine located near an elementary school in Chamkani Village, Chamkani District, Paktya Province, Jan. 20. Afghan construction workers discovered the mine while digging an irrigation ditch.  (U.S. Army Photo)