IED Factory Foiled by 40 Commando Marines in Sangin

In their biggest find to date, the Royal Marines of 40 Commando have stormed an insurgent compound seizing 40kg of homemade explosive and numerous weapons, pressure plates and components for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs). They have severely hampered Sangin-based insurgents in their efforts to undermine security in the area. The Royal Marines say they’ve sent a stark message to the insurgents that there are no longer any ‘no-go’ areas in the Sangin District.
The 40 Commando Group Operations Officer, Major Duncan Forbes said:
 “We will ruthlessly target those who seek to destabilise the region.”
The isolated IED factory was targeted after a number of small arms engagements from a series of compounds on the high ground to the east of one of the ISAF bases called Forward Operating Base NOLAY and Patrol Base JAMIL. The Royal Marines of 40 Commando and their Afghan partners watched the area closely in advance.
The Commandos sprung into action after a covert overnight insertion from two separate locations. A mobile Quick Reaction Force Patrol was primed to support the operation. At first light the patrol made their final approach towards the compound where weapons were visible through the open archways. Using their well-rehearsed Counter-IED drills they isolated the compound and, on discovering the explosives cache, called in the Counter-IED experts.
The operation was a complete success with no casualties and no collateral damage. The bomb disposal team destroyed the explosives and recovered the remaining items for further examination.
Major Forbes said:
“It was like finding a mini factory of IEDs. All the components and materials required to construct them were stored inside the compound.”
The 40 Commando Chief of Staff, Major Andy Walker, said: “This is an excellent find. Today, with our Afghans partners, we have stopped the insurgents from using these materials to make IEDs, which they use to maim and kill indiscriminately. Nobody here wants them. Too many people, including children, are getting hurt.” 
Once the compound was secured and declared safe from IED booby-traps, the patrol held a number of Shuras, or meetings, with the local nationals to inform them that the area is now safe.

UK Forces are deployed to Afghanistan in support of the UN authorised, NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission and as part of the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).  UK operations in Afghanistan are being conducted under the name Operation HERRICK.
 Task Force Helmand is the name given to UK-led forces in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

Royal Marine Commando.

They are among the most competent and professional of the world's fighting forces...

On the 28th October 1664 an Order-in-Council was issued calling for 1200 soldiers to be recruited for service in the Fleet, to be known as the Duke of York and Albany's 'Maritime' Regiment of Foot.
The Corps of Royal Marines were actually formed in 1755.
Five Royal Marines earned the Victoria Cross in the First World War, two at Zeebrugge, one at Gallipoli, one at the Battle of Jutland and one on the Western Front.


A total of 22 Royal Marines held off hundreds of Argenine soldiers on South Georgie during the Falklands War. They destroyed enemy helicopters, damaged a gunboat and a submarine before finally surrendering to the Argentine Commander without losing even one man.
During the 2nd World War, some 80,000 men served in the Royal Marines



The Royal Marine Commandos were actually formed in 1942.
Two thirds of all landing craft involved in D-Day were crewed by Royal Marines
The term 'Commando' is a British origin. Developed in WWII. A special forces soldier that is employed to mainly operate behind enemy lines. While this is the original role of a commando, the British Royal Marines are also commandos but are mainly used as a rapid reaction force for the British Armed Forces. "For this high risk stealth operation, the armed forces will be sending the commandos in.



A total of ten Victoria Crosses have been won by the Royal Marines