The operation, which took place in Gereshk, was planned and conducted by Afghan security forces. They are currently being trained and mentored by UK troops as they continue to develop their capability to conduct independent operations.
Working on specific intelligence the Afghan forces mounted a search operation at a house close to their main compound in the town. Soldiers from the Royal Horse Artillery and 23 Engineer Regiment were on standby to support if needed.
The search of the compound uncovered a cache of 100,000 rounds of ammunition, 47 rocket propelled grenades and 47 rockets. A number of ANP uniforms were also discovered which are believed to have previously been used by enemy fighters to gain access to secure areas. The British mentoring team and soldiers from 2 SCOTS helped the Afghan security forces to clear and secure the ammunition.
This latest weapons find demonstrates the growing capacity of Afghan security forces to take on their own security operations, according to Lieutenant Colonel Robin Matthews, the UK military spokesman in Afghanistan:
"Our mentoring teams are working hard with the Afghan Police and Army, and operations such as this demonstrate the real progress that they are making," Lt Col Matthews explained. "This was a professionally planned and executed search and seizure. They have seized a significant amount of ammunition which will undoubtedly have dented the insurgents' capability.
"It's a very positive sign that Afghan security forces are taking the lead in operations such as this, and demonstrates how much the insurgents are weakened."
UK troops are deployed in Afghanistan as part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force. NATO is a key component of the international community's engagement in Afghanistan, assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability, paving the way for reconstruction and effective governance.