British Afghan Troops Destroy 'Insurgent Bomb'

British and Afghan troops have destroyed an insurgent bomb in Helmand province described as "significant" by the UK government.

Soldiers from the Queen’s Royal Lancers and the Household Cavalry Regiment worked with colleagues from the Afghan National Army during the operation.

The soldiers discovered over 200 kilograms of home-made explosives as well as a large quantity of remote controls and pressure plates thought to be used for triggering deadly improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The teams also found a motorbike packed with explosives intended to be used as a suicide bomb, according to No. 10.

The 1st Mechanized Brigade Reconnaissance Force, which took part in the operation, only arrived in Afghanistan last week and had just recently completed pre-deployment training.

Corporal Dominic Purcell-Lee, 4 RIFLES, said: "This operation was a great opportunity to put our training into practice out on the ground. We are very well prepared and felt confident moving from the pre-deployment training to actual operations with our Afghan partners."

Major Adam Foden, Officer Commanding the outgoing 4th Mechanized Brigade Reconnaissance Force, added: "We have remained at high readiness for 7 months and have deployed 40 times, seizing 1,700 kilograms of insurgent explosives in all.

"This operation enabled my officers and soldiers to hand over responsibility for our task and to make sure the new team are as ready as they can be for their role. It went completely to plan; we were on target for 3 hours and have had an impact on IED construction in the Nad ‘Ali area."

(IT/CD)