27 Sqn RAF Regiment in bomb raid

IEDs and weapons seized
12 January 2010
IT was case of festive smash and grab as Gunners
from 27 Sqn RAF Regiment forced their way into a
potential bomb-making compound in Afghanistan
to make several crucial arrests.
Supporting the (AFP) Afghan Police Force the
Gunners from C-Flight drove their Panther
armoured vehicle through the compound gates
south of Kandahar City.
Flying Officer Alistair Paton said: “The Afghan National Police attempted to gain entry and were unable to and so asked for our support.
“We were then able to offer them force protection and entry to the compound itself.” Once in the compound a swift search of the buildings by the RAFGunners and ANP led to the discovery of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and various components that go towards making IEDs. An AK47 assault rifle, assault vests, a pistol, civilian security uniforms
and an array of small arms and ammunition were also found. The compound had been identified as a potential bomb-making factory after months of intelligence gathering.
The ground operation took approximately eight hours after the Gunners were called to the scene at 10am.