Seen above is a pile of ammonium nitrate, a compound used in explosives and roadside bombs. The commandos and their special operations counterparts conducted a cordon and search of the Shawal Bazaar in order to disrupt a Taliban safe-haven there. After a search of the area, Afghan and coalition forces discovered 220 pounds of opium, 2,400 kilograms of ammonium nitrate commonly used by militants to produce explosives, and numerous pressure plates, all components were destroyed with no harm to civilians or coalition forces.