Ammonium Nitrate Discovered in Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - A joint ANA-ISAF patrol discovered 636 kilograms of ammonium nitrate after searching a building in the Nawah-ye-Barakzai District of Helmand province yesterday. The joint force detained the building owner.

The fertilizer was destroyed on site.

Ammonium nitrate based home-made explosives continue to be used in the production of IED's causing the majority of civilian and ISAF casualties in Afghanistan.

In September 2009, ISAF received permission from the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to "confiscate any supplies of ammonium nitrate fertilizers being kept or transported in Afghanistan."

Farmers are urged to use fertilizers containing urea nitrate as an alternative.