Troops Explode Caves Full of Weapons in Afghanistan

In a thunderous blast heard and seen for miles, coalition forces blew up four caves Friday packed with tens of thousands of rockets, shells and grenades that once belonged to the Taliban--and were apparently still being used.

“There’s no way they’ll be able to go in there and use those caves now,” said Sgt. Iain Murison, as a huge dust cloud spread across the desolate hills and valleys of southeastern Afghanistan.

About 220 pounds of plastic explosives, fortified with anti-tank mines, were set off by remote control after people were evacuated from within a mile of the caves.

Ordnance inside the man-made caves continued to explode for hours; at least three rockets shot out and whizzed across the sky.

British forces discovered the cache earlier this week. The caves are 6 to 9 feet high and about 100 to 150 feet deep.

Some caves were sealed shut with metal doors, but at least one was left open.