KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces, destroyed an Improvised Explosive device, a suicide-vest factory and captured one insurgent in Zabul Province, March 12-16.
 Afghan National Police and Coalition forces were attacked by two insurgents on a motorcycle during a routine operation in Nawbahar District.  ANSF engaged the enemy who fled.  One insurgent was captured by the ANP and held for questioning.
 Afghan National Security Forces located two stolen vehicles in the village of Persha in response to intelligence reports.  Upon further investigation of this site, ANSF found an IED/suicide-vest factory, a large weapons cache and a field hospital.
 The IED factory contained all the supplies to make IEDs and suicide vests.  Coalition forces also found five completed suicide vests, 11 sticks of dynamite, two heavy machine guns with ammunition, ammonium nitrate (used in making explosives), and one ANP uniform. Additionally, a notebook filled with instructions and math formulas used to build bombs and emplace IEDs, as well as a notebook filled with emergency medical instructions was found.
A stolen taxi was returned to its owner.  The other vehicle was in the process of being turned into a vehicle-borne IED. It was blown up along with the building, which was used as the IED factory. The medical supplies from the hospital were turned over to the local clinic.
 “The insurgents’ intent was clear, they wanted to hurt or kill innocent Afghan citizens by creating two VBIEDs and several suicide vests and IEDs,” said U.S. Army Capt. Vanessa Bowman, a Coalition forces spokesperson.  “Afghan National Security Forces, partnered with Coalition forces, saved lives of the people living and traveling through Zabul.”
 “ANSF will continue to pressure the insurgents and deny them freedom of movement in the province,” he added.  “The recent efforts by ANSF have decreased the attacks along Highway 1 because they’re bringing the fight to their support areas.”