Possible attack on copper mine foiled

PUL-I-ALAM (PAN): Security forces thwarted a possible attack on the Ainak copper mine after recovering and defusing missiles and mortar shells in central Logar province, an official said on Sunday.

The seizure included 16 artillery shells, 80 BM-12 shells, a mortar gun, wires and some explosives, said Lt. Abdullah Mangal, counterterrorism chief for the province.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News the explosives were unearthed during an operation by counterterrorism police from a ruined residence in Mohammad Aga district.

Based on intelligence reports, the militants were targeting the large copper mine to disrupt mining activities, he added.

Obaidullah, an area resident, said police cordoned off the house and took away weapons and explosives, but no arrest was made in connection with the seizure.

mrh/vp/mud      

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