Oregon Soldiers Stops Pakistani Smugglers

Security Force Bust Thieves and End Security Threat

Soldiers Bust Smugglers Photos by Spc. Joshua Phillips

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Oregon Guard troops from the Camp Phoenix Security Forces in Kabul, Afghanistan raided a nearby compound capturing 18 men suspected of pilfering U.S. supplies in route to Camp Phoenix.

Soldiers received tips that connexes which are used for shipping, were being opened and the contents were stolen prior to their arrival to Camp Phoenix and other Coalition locations. Intel suggested this was happening frequently as Pakistani truck drivers made contact and stopped on the way so smugglers could pilfer the connexes, reseal and send them onto their final destination. The stolen goods are then sold at various locations.

Spc. Richard Newberg, of Roseburg, and Pfc. Carl Schotthoefer of Grant's Pass were working in a guard tower that evening. As soon as they saw the suspected vehicles moving into a compound they alerted the Base Defense and Operations Center (BDOC).

The BDOC redirected a dismounted patrol to assist in the raid. Sgt. Justin Dorn of Medford, led the members of his patrol to include some members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) to the compound.

Soldiers from A Company, 1-186 Infantry Battalion, 41st BCT inspectthe truck carrying connexes

Mounted forces from the Ready Reaction Force and Quick Reaction Force were sent out to cordon the area to prevent the escape of any suspects. The command to move in was given and Alpha Company, 1st Platoon, 4th Squad entered the compound and apprehended the thieves.

Due to the tower guard's ability to maintain visibility of the situation and willingness of several local nationals to help, all the suspects were captured and taken to a local ANP Station for further questioning.

"Relationships built in the community were directly responsible for this success mission," 2nd. Lt. Scott Marman, an Intelligence Officer.

Soldiers of Task Force Phoenix have a feeling of accomplishment after eliminating this recurring security threat. "They felt it was what they were sent here to do and they get great satisfaction from it," Marmam said. "Professionalism and proficiency were the order of the day."