It was confirmed on 2 May 2002 that personnel from 45 Commando Group had commenced Operation Snipe to search and clear a significant area in the remote Afghan mountains believed to be used as a base by Al Qaida and Taliban forces. The successful conclusion of Snipe was announced on 13 May.

Some 1,000 personnel from 45 Commando Group were deployed on the operation, along with local Afghan forces, supported by RAF Chinook helicopters of 27 Squadron. The area in question, in the south east of the country, had not previously been investigated by coalition forces. The aim was to search the area, to clear and destroy any terrorist infrastructure located there, and render it safe for humanitarian operations.

A major cave network containing a huge arms cache was discovered in the area of operations, and carefully investigated. Weapons and munitions discovered included over 100 mortars of various calibres, over 100 recoilless anti-tank guns, several hundred rocket-propelled grenades, 200 anti-personnel mines, hundreds of artillery rounds and rockets, and many thousands of small-arms and light anti-aircraft ammunition. Demolition charges were then emplaced and the entire complex destroyed, putting the arms dump permanently out of commission.

Details of 45 Commando Group's composition

Photographs of Operation Snipe (Updated 1030 13 May)

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