Major cache of IED materials seized in Afghanistan

Canadian, British and Afghanistan troops have found one of the largest caches of IED explosives in operation Royal Thunder. In total, there was enough material to construct up to 138 IED. This should put a dent in the taliban's ability to strike at coalition forces for a while. (Thanks to GM) CTV

A joint mission involving Canadian, British and Afghan troops is being hailed as a "tremendous success" after soldiers seized one of the largest caches of materials to make roadside bombs.

Operation Shahi Tandar (Royal Thunder), which took place in the Khakrez and Shah Wali Khot districts of Kandahar province on January 7 to 9, uncovered 138 detonators used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Since one detonator is essential for the making of each bomb, the seizure of these detonators is comparable to taking 138 IEDs off the roads -- which are responsible for the majority of Canadian casualties in Afghanistan.

Maj. Marc Saint-Yves, Deputy Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, called the operation a "tremendous success."