MARINES from 40 Commando, based at Norton Manor Camp, near Taunton, have discovered their biggest ever hoard of homemade weapons and bombs following a raid in Afghanistan.

They stormed an insurgent compound seizing 40kg of homemade explosive and numerous weapons, pressure plates and components for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

They say the move will hamper Sangin-based insurgents in their efforts to undermine security in the area.

40 Commando Group Operations Officer Maj Duncan Forbes said: “We will ruthlessly target those who seek to destabilise the region.”

The Commandos sprung into action after a covert overnight insertion from two separate locations.

A mobile Quick Reaction Force Patrol was primed to support the operation. At first light the patrol made their final approach towards the compound where weapons were visible through the open archways. Using their Counter-IED, drills they isolated the compound and, on discovering the explosives cache, called in the Counter-IED experts.

Major Forbes said: “The operation was a complete success with no casualties and no collateral damage. The bomb disposal team destroyed the explosives and recovered the remaining items for further examination.

“It was like finding a mini factory of IEDs. All the components and materials required to construct them were stored inside the compound.”

The 40 Commando Chief of Staff, Maj Andy Walker, said: “This is an excellent find. With our Afghan partners, we have stopped the insurgents from using these materials to make IEDs, which they use to maim and kill indiscriminately. Nobody here wants them. Too many people, including children, are getting hurt.”

Once the compound was secured and declared safe from IED booby-traps, the patrol held a number of meetings with local people to let them know the area was safe.