30 January 2007
Explosive disposal experts serving with the New Zealand Defence Force contingent in Afghanistan have travelled to the north of Bamyan province to assist local authorities with the destruction of cached ammunition.
The cache, which includes rockets, bombs and an array of weapons and small arms ammunition, is just one of many the 108-strong winter rotation of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZ PRT) has disposed of since arriving in October.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal team member Chief Petty Officer Diver Graeme Meyer said the weapons being destroyed were generally found by locals, confiscated by police or surrendered to local authorities.
His team had the specialist training to assist in destroying the ammunition in a controlled and safe manner, he said.
Last week the work of New Zealand ordnance disposal experts in Afghanistan was recognised by the provincial director of Disarmament of Illegally Armed Groups, Jiri Hroch, who has loaned the NZ PRT three Russian Kamaz trucks.
The trucks are capable of carrying more than 10 tonnes of cargo, making transporting weapons and unexploded ammunition to secure disposal areas much safer.
New Zealand contingent commander Group Captain Kevin Short said the loan was appreciated by the NZ PRT.
“We have a good relationship with the regional authorities and the community and these three vehicles will aid us in further assisting the local government to ensure stability and security in the region.”
In September last year Kiwi troops disposed of a 500kg bomb sitting at the foot of the famous 53m tall Bamyan Buddhas.
The bomb was thought to be from the 1980s Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and could potentially have resulted in further damage to the religious icons if the New Zealand team had not disposed of it safely.
ENDS
Currently 394 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 19 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world.
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on
04 529 6033 or 021 569 148.