Photos: Largest Cache of Abandoned Munitions in Afghanistan

03/20/06 -- Bouquet of Flowers Leads to Largest Cache of Abandoned Munitions in Afghanistan

In one bunker alone, seemingly endless rows of abandoned crates of munitions, including anti-vehicle mines loosely stacked on top of some of the crates on the right, moldered in the dark, vulnerable to theft.

A huge pile of loose, abandoned anti-vehicle mines was found in one of the bunkers. These mines were dangerous for two reasons. First, they were vulnerable to theft by criminals and terrorists. Second, improper storage of munitions such as seen here, can result in spontaneous, catastrophic explosions that harm nearby residents and scatter unexploded ordnance and toxic debris in the adjoining area. That scenario poses a persistent physical threat and may also create an environmental hazard.

Photos courtesy of Don Brindle, UXB International/DynCorp International/Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, U.S. Dept. of State.