On November 16 Lithuanian troops found an undetonated artillery shell near a military base while patrolling in Ghor province, Afghanistan. The shell was neutralized by the EOD team of Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team which arrived expeditiously to the location. They established that the unexploded 37 mm artillery shell was washed out by rain.
According to the EOD specialists, the finding is probably a relic of the Soviet army.
On November 16 the EOD team of the PRT destroyed 7 anti-tank mines handed over by representatives of the National Security Directorate. Security Forces of Ghor province do not have the capabilities to destroy explosives and ammunition independently therefore they address the EOD team of Lithuanian-led Chaghcharan PRT who have the skills and capabilities needed. Ammunition is most often handed over by representatives of the Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups Committee and the National Security Directorate.
At the moment security in Ghor is ensured by the 14th PRT rotation formed mainly by the troops of the 5th Territorial Unit of the Vytis Military District of the Lithuanian Volunteer Force. The shift is commanded by Col Eligijus Senulis.
Lithuanian-led PRT in Ghor is a joint civilian and military mission, a part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), launched in the province in summer of 2005. The essential task of the mission is to support Afghan government in extending its authority in the province, ensuring security and creating conditions for provincial reconstruction.
Staff of the Lithuanian-led PRT in Chaghcharan includes Georgia's, Japan's, US, Poland's, Finland's, and Ukraine's representatives alongside Lithuanian military and civilian personnel.
Information by PIO for PRT-14 1st Lt Tomas Pakalniškis.
