The Afghanistan NGO Safety Office Issue: 64 16-31 December 2010

ANSO and our donors accept no liability for the results of any activity conducted or omitted on the basis of this report. THE ANSO REPORT -Not for copy or sale-

Inside this Issue COUNTRY SUMMARY Central Region 2 In the Central Region two few arrests and weapons observed with a local leader 5 Northern Region BBIEDs, supported by gun- seizures while AOG at- kidnapping four family Western Region 10 men, targeted ANA recruits tempt to extort locals for members of an AOG on their way to the Kabul taxes and cause damage to leader to exchange for an- Eastern Region 13 training centre with one at- local telecom towers in a other kidnapped police Southern Region 19 tacker managing to detonate routine effort to undermine officer. In Khost reports his vest on board the bus night time communications. suggest the death of the 23 ANSO Info Page killing four soldiers. The at- In Jawzjan a large, and un- Provincial Shadow Gover- tack was apparently coordi- usual, assault on the District nor (actually killed in Kan- nated with another targeting Administration Centre of dahar) as IMF pursue in- YOU NEED TO KNOW ANA recruits in Kunduz the Darzab causes civilian casu- tensive regional operations, same morning. In that attack alties while AOG attack the particularly against the • Coordinated Attacks against up to seven gunmen, includ- Taloqan Airfield in Takhar. Haqqani group while in ANA recruitment in Kabul ing two BBIED’s, seized Laghman more routine and Kunduz Out in the Western Re- control of a recruiting centre gion a large IED caused up AOG attacks continue to • NGO staff robbed in Mazar and maintained an effective to 14 civilian fatalities in target IMF supply convoy’s and killed in Kandahar siege for more than ten Kushk Khuna, Heart, while on the Kabul-Jalalabad hours. Elsewhere in Central highway. In the Southern • another targeted the Dis- Instability threatens Jala- Region AOG’s staged Region a BBIED targets labad as cross border AOG trict Governor of Shindand, activity intensifies VBIED’s in both Parwan leaving him unharmed but the funeral of a local Gov- and Wardak where they also injuring three body guards. ernment official in Panjwai,

established illegal check-posts In Badghis the Kandahar while a large often wearing stolen ANSF VBIED attacks ANSF em- ‘reconciliation’ initiative uniforms. In the Northern apparently got a boost with ployees while they collect ANSO is supported by Region an NGO staff mem- up to 80 AOG turning their salaries at a local ber was robbed and assaulted themselves over to police. bank. Also in Kandahar, an by criminals in Mazar city In the Eastern Region NGO staff member was while a large force of AOG ominous instability threat- killed by a gunshot in an attacked a private construc- ens Jalalabad City, Nan- apparent criminal murder tion company elsewhere in gahar, as AOG pursue an while in Nahri Sarraj, Hel- the same province (Balkh). In intensive campaign from mand, a large IED hitting a Kunduz the aforementioned the South East. In the ensu- mini bus caused significant BBIED attack dominated the ing uncertainty criminality is (14) civilian fatalities. IED period while ANP discovered on the rise in the city. In attacks dominate the pro- a cache of more than 50 pre- Nuristan an uptick of vio- file in Uruzgan, Zabul and pared IED’s in Gortepe dis- lence is reported with AOG Ghazni the dangers appar- trict. Pro-Government mili- repeatedly shelling the PRT ent in the latter province tias operating in Khanabad while locals clash with when a large device deto- clashed with one another AOG in defence of an ab- nated injuring the four IMF again this period resulting in ducted local police man. In EOD staff who were trying one death. OP Jadid contin- Kunar a similar dynamic is to defuse it. ues across Baghlan with a THE ANSO REPORT Page 2

C ENTRAL REGION

NGO Incidents KABUL Year to Date KABUL 50 This Report Period After a significant period of time 40 where the national capital wit- utes. 30 nessed an absence of high profile, It is thought that Loya Paktya’s 20 complex attacks against GOA, primary, Waziristan-based AOG 10

ANSF or IMF targets, this report- was responsible for this attack, as 0 ing period saw a high profile, with many of the most high pro- complex attack on the Jalalabad file, complex attacks the national Road against ANA recruits being capital has seen in recent years. If KABUL AOG KABUL Crime ferried in buses to the large Kabul so, it represents an expansion into Military Training Centre at Pul-e the capital of its recent suicide Labijar area of the city on the 24th. The Charki. A vehicle with two opera- bombing campaign against central VBIEDs had been reported to be part of a tives wearing BBIEDs and two ANSF facilities, seen in Loya Pak- plot to conduct a complex attack against the infantry operatives approached tya provincial capitals over the US Embassy in the city. The result was the the 9 bus convoy of armed ANA past two months. It also perhaps killing of 2 PSC guards, the injury of 3 others, recruits at approximately 0730 hrs. indicates that this AOG no longer and the seizure of 9 AK-47s, as well as the The two BBIED fighters stepped considers Kabul to be off limits, detention of 15 other individuals. IMF spokes- out of their vehicle behind the as it appears to have done for men declared that their forces came under fire convoy, and the vehicle then de- whatever reason since the com- from a nearby building while searching a park- posited the infantry operatives in plex attacks seen in January and ing lot where two cars had been flagged for front, who shot and killed the early February 2010. searching. However, the PSC argues that it was driver of the front bus, causing it This attack also had an important the IMF that first opened fire. In the end, no to veer off the road. While the impact on the freedom of move- explosives were found. other buses drove on, a firefight ment along – and safety of – the ensued between the two infantry Such accidental targeting of PSCs is not new; Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, causing indeed it was during the previous reporting fighters and various ANSF, in- all traffic coming from the Jala- cluding ANP at nearby CPs and period in Paktya that IMF air assets, on their labad side to be delayed until the way back from supporting the capture of a ANA on the disabled bus. As this early afternoon. This attack, progressed, one of the BBIED Waziristan AOG-associated tribal elder in moreover, was not the only attack Gardez district, accidentally targeted and killed operatives managed to step onto along this main artery, with a the bus and detonate, killing 4 7 PSC guards on the main Gardez-Chamkanay number of smaller attacks – which road. ANA and wounding another 10. are only marginally less problem- The second BBIED operative was atic for NGO road movements – In other significant events in the capital, an shot dead before he could deto- occurring in the Tangi Abrisham ANP officer was shot and killed in a private nate his vest, which happened to area of Surobi district. For more vehicle in District 4, Taimani, by unknown have a much greater explosive about road insecurity, see the gunmen, and a rocket launched from Chahar yield than the one that detonated. Laghman provincial assessment in Asyab landed in District 8, Karte Naw, damag- The AOG driver and infantry op- this report. ing a house but causing no casualties. In eratives managed to escape the Musayi, a former Jjhadi commander was shot There was a further high profile scene, in spite of the large volume and killed on the main district road, and an security incident in Kabul during of ANSF present in the area. In ANP vehicle hit an IED, injuring two police- this period, but this time in the all, the attackers managed to stay men. Finally, seizures of small caches of am- form of accidental targeting of alive and offer substantial resis- munition were recorded in Istalif, Khaki Jab- PSC guards by IMF, which were tance against vastly larger num- bar and Shakardara, the only incidents in these conducting a search operation for bers of ANSF for over 90 min- districts. two suspected VBIEDs in the THE ANSO REPORT Page 3

NGO Incidents KAPISA 50 KAPISA Year to Date 2 This Report Period 0 40 Incident volume in Kapisa has 30 decreased slightly with 10 inci- dent of note took place in the Ala- 20 dents of which seven were AOG- say District Centre, when a rocket initiated.. The majority were direct impacted in a residential area on 10 attacks targeting ANSF/IMF pa- 28th of December, reportedly 0 trols with a focus on Nijrab and killing two local civilians and Tagab districts. In the latter dis- wounding another three. It should trict four separate AOG attacks, be noted that numerous civilian KAPISA AOG KAPISA Crime reportedly killed one IMF soldier casualties were recorded during and wounded another three. The the present cycle. In another inci- gunmen reportedly abducted two staff mem- risk of collateral exposure for the dent, on 24th of December three bers (one national and one international) work- local population was highlighted locals were killed in an UXO re- ing for a private road construction company in during a clash that occurred in lated incident in Chaharmaghz Koh Band District. The victims were eventu- Farozai Area of Nijrab District, Dara Area of Tagab. In addition, ally released due to the mediation of tribal eld- when a civilian was reportedly attacks against road construction ers. It is worth noting, that the said abduction injured in crossfire between AOG companies have continued across is only the third reported security incident in and an IMF patrol. Another inci- the province, this time a group of the district for 2010.

NGO Incidents regards to potential internal Panjshiri disputes. PANJSHIR Year to Date 1 According to ANSO data, including these two, This Report Period 0 Security incidents are usually rare there have been only eleven reported incidents in Panjshir, however this report- Provincial Council Building, this in 2010. Five of them took place in Rukha Dis- ing period experienced two events time in Bazaar Area. The modus trict, three in Bazarak and one in Unaba as well both in Rukha District. In the operandi of both incidents seems as Dara Khenj. The majority could be inter- evening of 15th of December, an to indicate that they were destined preted as related to local power-struggles, how- unknown individual hurled a gre- to intimidate or ‘send a message’ ever NGOs have so far not been victims of nade into a school in Tawakh rather than to cause casualties. such dynamics and their best course of action Area, causing only minor damage. None of the incidents has been is to carefully monitor their local environment Almost concomitantly, an IED attributed to particular actors or in order to avoid being collaterally involved in detonated in the vicinity of the motives, allowing speculation in such local disputes.

NGO Incidents PARWAN Year to Date 2 PARWAN This Report Period 0 50 The level of AOG activity in Par- 40 wan has been consistent with the where on 15th of December secu- 30 previous period. Nine incidents rity forces located a Toyota Co- were reported in the province in rolla vehicle rigged as a VBIED in 20 the past two weeks, more than Qalachaye Sukhta Area. Given the 10 40% of them occurring alone in fact that the car was parked in the 0 Chaharikar District. During this vicinity of a fuel station, a poten- reporting cycle the main threat tial explosion in the area most across Parwan were IEDs, though likely would have caused extensive PARWAN AOG PARWAN Crime only one device detonated. On damage and casualties. ANSF sub- 28th of December, an IED deto- sequently removed the vehicle and of Parwan as also indicated by the following nated against an ANP vehicle in defused it. Additionally, five IEDs incident. On 27th of December, AOG set up a Dara Qulhil Area of Ghorband were located and safely defused in temporary checkpoint in Dara Qulhil Area of District, wounding one ANP. A Khuyaki Village of Sayd Khel. Chaharikar, searching vehicles for GOA em- noteworthy incident was also re- AOG have established a regular ployees. ported from Chaharikar District, presence in the western districts THE ANSO REPORT Page 4

NGO Incidents WARDAK WARDAK Year to Date 7 100 This Report Period 0 AOG remained active, as direct 80 attacks, IEDs and the setting of points on several occasions, pri- 60 illegal checkpoints constituted the marily in the districts of Nirkh 40 majority of security incidents. and Jalrez, searching for GoA officials or employees. Of note is 20 Nirkh District witnessed several the second of the two checkpoints 0 AOG ambushes of IMF/ANSF set up by AOG in Nirkh District, patrols, primarily in the area of near Kota Ashro village, wherein Takana village as well as the DAC. WARDAK AOG WARDAK Crime a sizeable AOG force (reportedly In total, however, only one ANP over 20) dressed in military uni- was reported wounded over the forms mounted an illegal CP on reported, there were no reported casualties, course of three separate ex- the district road. A joint ANSF/ however potentially the most dangerous was changes of SAF and RPG fire. IMF team was dispatched to the an abandoned vehicle loaded with explosives Indirect fire was also employed by scene and disarmed the force, and rigged as a VBIED on the main Kabul - AOG, with rockets being fired at seizing a variety of weapons. In Maydan Shahr road. The vehicle was later neu- the DACs of Jaghatu and Nirkh, addition to the checkpoints, AOG tralized by an IMF EOD team. as well as an attempt against the carried out a targeting killing of an IMF/ANSF operations during the report pe- DAC of Maidan Sher which was ANP officer, abducting him as he riod appeared to be limited to the IED dis- interrupted by an ANP patrol, was leaving the ANP HQ of posal mentioned above as well as two limited resulting in the detention of three Chaki Wardak District and dump- operations in the Takana and Ismail Khel areas AOG. ing his body near Baba Qala vil- of Jalrez District, which netted a total of two AOG employed illegal check- lage. Out of the six IED incidents AOG and a small number of weapons.

NGO Incidents LOGAR Year to Date LOGAR This Report Period 50 The quiet in Logar continued dur- 40 ing this reporting period, with just bridge in Jogi village on the route 30 14 incidents reported, concen- to Ghazni, there was another 20 AOG event, which backfired. trated on the more insecure dis- 10 Two AOG members were killed tricts of Baraki Barak, Muhammad 0 Agha and Puli Alam. There was and another injured when the one direct attack and two rocket IED they were planting on the attacks in Puli Alam. On a secon- main district road prematurely LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime dary road in Dado Khel, near Ko- detonated. As such, the absence langar, there were two attacks on of IED strikes noted in the previ- operations took place in the restive Zarghon the same ANA CP on consecutive ous period continued to be re- Shahr, leading to a total of 4 arrests, the sei- days, the first an SAF attack corded into this period. Another zure of 16 blackmarket military uniforms, and which killed an ANA soldier, and accidental detonation took place a significant weapons cache, including IED the second a rocket attack which in Kharwar’s Banukhel, this one materials, heavy weapon ammunition and 200 killed an ANA officer. Both oc- unfortunately involving children mortar shells. The other operation occurred in curred at approximately 2200 hrs. playing with an UXO. One child Zaidabad, and led to the arrest of a single sus- There was also a rocket attack the died of injuries and three others pected AOG member. In Puli Alam, three sig- IMF base in Puli Alam City, were wounded. nificant IMF operations took place on Dec which injured an IMF soldier and All other incidents recorded took 21st, 24th and 25th. The first two occurred in two locals. These AOG attacks the form of IMF and ANSF op- the city environs, and led to a total of 5 AOG did not occur on major thorough- erations against AOG targets, members arrested, and an RPG launcher fares, and as such represented a consisting of 4 in Muhammad seized, while the second, in Babush village, lower threat to NGOs than does Agha, 2 each in Puli Alam and detained 4 AOG members. The operations in the more usual pattern. Baraki Barak, and 1 in Charkh. In Baraki Barak and Charkh led to a combined In Baraki Barak, near the main Muhammad Agha, three of the total of 5 detained. THE ANSO REPORT Page 5

N ORTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents BALKH BALKH Year to Date 13 50 This Report Period 1 A direct NGO incident was re- 40 ported on 19th of December in tionals were abducted along with 30 the usually quiet Mazar-e-Sharif one Afghan security guard by the 20 AOG. Subsequently, one of the City. Around 1720 hrs, two un- 10 abductees international managed known armed men riding on a 0 motorcycle stopped an INGO to escape and ANSF freed an- national staff in District 6, while other international during a follow he was on his way from the office -up operation. The whereabouts BALKH AOG BALKH Crime to his residence. The unknown of the remaining abductees are men assaulted him and stole his still unknown. dents are to be expected in the district in fu- mobile phone as well as a small Another serious incident recorded ture. amount of cash. The circum- in the past two weeks, occurred The military operation ‘Ebtekar’ launched ear- stances of the incident indicate on 24th of December in Khulm lier in December has continued in Chahar Bo- that the robbery was most likely District. In the DAC Area, two lak and Chimtal districts and resulted in a pe- criminally-motivated. It is worth armed individuals riding on a mo- riod of calm along the main Mazar-Shibirghan noting, that according to ANSO torcycle opened fire on two civil- Road. In addition, further weapon seizures and data this is the first direct NGO ians. The international employee arrests, including the arrest of a prominent incident ever to take place in Ma- of the German government- AOG commander on 28th of December in zar-e Sharif City. Armed robberies owned development bank in- Chahar Bolak, have been reported during this are rare occurrence within the city, volved in the reconstruction of cycle. Of note, collateral involvement still re- with only two recorded incidents the Khulm-Chahar Dara mains a concern for the local population in the in 2010. Nonetheless, as this inci- (Kunduz) Road and his national area. For instance, on 18th in Sorian Village of dent illustrates, it is a potential translator were wounded. The Chahar Bolak an IED detonation killed two threat that may occur in any loca- national was slightly injured in the women as they were on their way home. The tion. incident but his international col- second half of this reporting period saw a de- During this reporting period, a league died of his wounds the fol- crease in the intensity of the military opera- noteworthy incident took place in lowing day. This kind of incident tions. It is likely that this indicates the begin- Kishindih District on 17th of De- is highly unusual for Khulm and ning of the second ‘hold’ phase of the opera- cember, when a large AOG although AOG took the responsi- tion. The exact ANSF plans for the coming (estimated to be around 30 fight- bility for the killing, the possibility weeks are unknown but it seems that the mili- ers) attacked a compound of a of interpersonal dispute cannot be tary presence along the main road as well as road construction company in Bui excluded at this stage. Further intermittent search operations will continue Bogha Area. One international investigation will be necessary to along the Ring Road. Nonetheless, the long staff member was killed in the fire determinate if it was only an iso- terms effects of the ongoing operation for the fight and another seven interna- lated occurrence or similar inci- stability of the area remain be seen. THE ANSO REPORT Page 6

NGO Incidents KUNDUZ KUNDUZ Year to Date 2 100

This Report Period 0 80 Despite several military operations 60 that were recently launched by Ariana Hotel. As complex attacks ANSF and IMF in Kunduz, the require advanced planning and of 40 ability of AOGs to retaliate in an course access to resources, this 20 efficient manner does not seem to attack against a target located in 0 be affected. This has once again the heart of the city indicates the level of AOG coordination and been demonstrated on 19th of KUNDUZ AOG KUNDUZ Crime December, when seven AOG self-confidence despite the ANSF/IMF efforts. In the after- members, including two BBIED targets. In the second half of this reporting math of this AOG attack, ANSF/ attackers, stormed an ANA re- period IMF operations were concentrated in IMF have conducted several op- cruiting base around 0630 hrs in the Gortepa Area, where significant IED/ erations in the north of the City. Kunduz City. According to re- RCIED deployment reportedly wounded four During one of these operations ports, one BBIED managed to IMF soldiers in two separate incidents. Of on 20th of December in Shen- detonate inside the building note, on 28th of December 50 IEDs were dis- wari, Qalacha and Tepai Burida whereas the second one detonated covered in Hakem Bai Village, suggesting that areas, eleven AOG members were outside. The remaining attackers IEDs will remain the AOG’s tactic of choice. gained entry into the base and reported to have been killed. Beside Kuduz City, AOG activities have con- engaged with security forces in a AOG retaliated for the operation tinued in Chahar Dara, where on 19th of De- fire fight that lasted more than ten with another suicide attack on cember, AOG attacked the Chahar Dara Dis- hours. Only by 1730 hrs ANSF 23rdof December in District 3, trict Governor’s vehicle with SAF and RPGs were able to overwhelm all attack- when this time a single BBIED on the main road. After a brief fire fight, the ers. Beside the deaths of all seven detonated himself against an ANP official escaped the ambush unharmed. On a AOG members, four ANA sol- checkpoint, killing one ANP and separate note, armed clashes between pro- diers and seven ANP, including wounding five civilians. Given governmental militias have continued in one officer, were killed. In addi- aforementioned incidents and Khanabad District, killing one person in tion, 16 ANP, four ANA and one constant threat reports in regard Aqtash Area during this reporting period. An- civilian were injured as a result of to further suicide attacks within other incident of note occurred on 15th, when the fire fight. The incident marked the city, NGOs should exercise a two armed individuals stopped a private vehi- the first complex attack in Kun- higher degree of caution – espe- cle on the Kunduz - Aqtepa Main Road. The duz City since 2nd of July, when a cially around areas, which could perpetrators separated three individuals from group of five AOG members at- be considered vulnerable or host the other occupants and subsequently shot and tacked the for-profit development high profile targets – and continue killed two of them and injured another. agency located in the area of the to avoid proximity to potential THE ANSO REPORT Page 7

NGO Incidents SAR- E PUL Year to Date 3 SAR‐E PUL 50 This Report Period 0 Although, only six incidents have 40 been reported in Sar-e Pul in the ANP checkpoint from two direc- 30 past two weeks, which represents tions in Imam Jaffar Village. The 20 a drop of 57% compared to the ANP returned fire and the fight 10 previous period, AOG continued lasted for almost two hours, injur- 0 to show their presence across the ing three AOG members. Despite province. On 25th of December, efforts of the security forces to SAR‐E PUL AOG SAR‐E PUL Crime a night-time attack occurred in increase the number of patrols Nowruz Tepa Area, approxi- along the road, a significant im- cember and that the local authorities decided mately 4km south-west of Sar-e provement in the security situa- to ‘be on the safe side’ by approaching differ- Pul City, when an ANP check- tion should not be expected in the ent organizations. area in the near term. point came under RPGs and small An increase in AOG activity has been re- arms fire. Following a brief fire On a different note, rather un- corded in Kohistanat District in the past two fight the attackers withdrew from usual event occurred in Sar-e Pul weeks. On 22ndof December ANP conducted the area. It is worth noting, that City, when the NDS approached an operation in Sardara Area and clashed with AOG activity in and around Sar-e INGOs and international organi- AOG. Another significant clash was reported Pul City is relatively rare. How- zations with a letter asking them two days later, in Jurghan area, when AOG ever, armed groups operating in to sign it and to acknowledge that attacked an ANP checkpoint. A prolonged fire the district have already showed they understand the presence of fight ensued, killing one ANP, wounding an- that they are capable of striking the threat of abduction in the other and resulting in four others captured by inside the city, for instance, when area. As reliable sources indicate AOG. The overall increase in AOG activity in they launched the complex attack there has not been any specific the district is probably related to the arrival of against the Sar-e Pul prison on threat against INGO or interna- the new CoP and the more active posture of 15th of October. This period, an tional organizations in Sar-e-Pul it the security forces on the one hand, and to incident has been reported along is believed that it may have been AOGs expanding their area of interest further the main Sar-e Pul - Jawzjan related to a generic threat of the north on the other hand. Road. In the evening of 24thof abduction of internationals that December AOG attacked an originated in Balkh in early De- THE ANSO REPORT Page 8

NGO Incidents BAGHLAN Year to Date 5 BAGHLAN 50 This Report Period 0 In Baghlan Province AOG activ- 40 ity persisted in Pul-e Khumri, ANP deployed to the area and the 30 Burka and Baghlan-e Jadid dis- group retreated. On 28th of De- 20 tricts, with the latter district wit- cember, Chahar Shanbi Tepa Area 10 witnessed another incident, when nessing the highest number of 0 incidents. Five AOG initiated in- AOG hijacked a private fuel tanker and abducted the driver. cidents took place in Baglan-e BAGHLAN AOG BAGHLAN Crime Jadid, three in Burka and two in Following the incident, the com- Pul-e Khumri in the past two munity elders intervened and ne- the area. On 18th of December, AOG at- weeks. gotiated with the abductors. At tacked ANSF with SAF and RPGs in Tape the same day the driver was re- Security along main roads contin- Quwargan. The fire fight, which lasted for leased along with the fuel tanker ues to challenge road travel around three hours, killed one AOG member. from Anar Khil Area of Baghlan-e throughout the province. This On the same day but in Bargh-e-Shomal, AOG Jadid. Given the recurrence of period has experienced three inci- attacked an IMF convoy. One AOG member incidents NGOs should continue dents, which were concentrated was killed in the IMF return fire. to avoid the road travel along this on the main Pul-e Khumri - Kun- road whenever possible. Furthermore, intimidation continued across duz Road. In Baghlan-e Jadid be- the province. On 25thof December AOG tried tween Jangal Bagh and Chahar The operation ‘Jadid’ has contin- to collect money from locals in Dushti Layiqa Shanbi Tepa, AOG abducted two ued throughout the present cycle Area of Baghalan-e Jadid. The locals resisted GOA employees, including one with ANSF/IMF search opera- and an armed clash erupted, reportedly senior staff, and two other family tions reported in Dand-e-Ghori wounding two villagers and one AOG mem- members along with their vehicle Area as well as Joy Naw, Tape ber. In Burka District, which saw an increase on 17th of December. The fol- Quwargan, Kharowa Kalay and of AOG activities this period, AOG killed one lowing day but in the area of Jar-e Niyazullah villages. For instance, civilian and abducted another one in the area Khusk Village, an armed group set on 18th of December security of Hazara Sari. Allegedly, the victims were ac- up a temporary checkpoint and forces discovered and defused cused of spying for ANSF. Finally, a telecom- attempted to abduct several local seven IEDs in Joy Naw Village. In munication tower was set ablaze in Hazara civilians who were en route from addition, at least two significant Cheshma Village of Burka District on 21st of Badakhshan Province. Eventually, armed clashes were reported in December.

NGO Incidents JAWZJAN Year to Date 1 JAWZJAN This Report Period 0 50 In Jawzjan Province the overall 40 number of incidents has contin- day. A heavy fire fight ensued and 30 ued to decrease with a total of five to repel the attack, close IMF air 20 security incidents reported during support was called in. Eventually, 10 this cycle. Whereas Shibirghan the fire fight injured one ANP 0 District has experienced abduc- and four civilians. In Shibirghan, tion and an AOG intimidation, reportedly elders from Alti JAWZJAN AOG JAWZJAN Crime Darzab saw three armed clashes. Khwaja, Zargar Khana, Qauchin, On 21st of December, AOG at- and Qarakent Villages received a Khana Area. The victim was released the fol- tacked briefly an ANA camp in threat from an AOG who de- lowing day, reportedly after a ransom was paid the Darzab DAC area following manded motorbikes and support. by his family. These aforementioned incidents ‘hit and run’ tactic. After this brief In another worrying development in Shibirghan seem to indicate a more active engagement, AOG attacked the in the area, four armed men ab- presence of armed elements financing their District Administrative Center ducted a local businessman on activities from banditry. from different directions the same 20th of December from Zargar THE ANSO REPORT Page 9

NGO Incidents FARYAB Year to Date 17 FARYAB This Report Period 0 50 On 23rd of December 2010, a 40 private vehicle was targeted by an RPG round against a pylon. All 30 IMF airstrike in Katakam Area of other IED related incidents were 20 Maymana District (approximately concentrated in Qaysar District, 10 6km from the Maymana City where an IED hit an IMF vehicle 0 gate), killing one ANP officer as on 19th of December in Zoho- well as one civilian. The vehicle reah Village and another IED FARYAB AOG FARYAB Crime was on the way of the Chairman detonated in vicinity of an ANP of the Provincial Council of checkpoint on 23rd December checkpoint on 29th November. The attack Khwaja Sabz Posh District. The Zuhori Village, injuring also one against the District ANP HQ on 24th of De- District Governor of Almar was civilian. Another IED was discov- cember, as well as the armed clash between driving ahead of the vehicle but ered one day later in Doabi Vil- ANP and AOG on 26th of December, are was not affected in the incident. lage. The preferred AOG tactic in unusual. Furthermore, also the quieter This incident demonstrates the Faryab Province remained direct Andkhoy and Khani Charhar Bagh districts risk for civilians of being collater- attacks targeting ANP. This is in have seen direct attacks against ANP during ally involved in IMF operations. line with previously observed this reporting period. Whereas Andkhoy has trends. The majority of direct at- In Dawlatabad District, AOGs already seen direct attacks against ANP as well tacks were taking place in the attacked and damaged an electric- as a wedding party in November and Decem- Qaysar, Bilchiragh and Qurghan ity power pylon on 21st of De- ber, this is the first recorded direct attack in districts. AOGs were not visibly cember 2010 in Jar Kiskan Village, Khani Charhar Bagh this year. However, it active in Qurghan District this with an RCIED. A similar inci- remains to be seen if AOG activity in year; although the district has seen dent took place on 21st Novem- Qurghan, Andkhoy and Khani Charhar Bagh an AOG attack against an ANP ber 2010, when AOG fired an will increase, or if the recent direct attacks were more isolated incidents. NGO Incidents TAKHAR Year to Date 5 TAKHAR This Report Period 0 50 This reporting period, saw numer- 40 ous criminally motivated incidents security incidents were concen- 30 across the province. The most trated in Khwaja Sabz Posh, Ba- 20 significant occurred in Taloqan harak, Dashti Qala and Taluqan 10 City on 18th of December, when districts. In Taluqan, AOG night- 0 unknown armed men shot and time attacks on the Airport Area as already noted in the previous injured the Head of ECC while he TAKHAR AOG TAKHAR Crime was on the way to his residence. report have continued throughout Peripheral reporting indicates that the present cycle. On 23rd of De- two weeks. For instance, on 24th of December the attack may have been related cember, AOG attacked Taluqan two mortar rounds were fired towards the Dis- to a grievance related to the recent Airport with SAF and RPGs. Af- trict Centre in Dashti Qala Old City. Three Wolesi Jirga election. In addition, ter an engagement with ANA the days later but in Farkhar District, unidentified reports about the presence of group withdrew from the area, individuals fired five to six RPG rounds to- armed men in Khetayan Area on without causing any casualty. In wards the DAC from the south and southwest the main road to Badakhshan con- Chaghatai Village of Khwaja Sabz of the district. The projectiles impacted in an tinue. Reportedly, this group was Posh, AOG entered the village open area, causing no casualties. This last inci- behind the armed robbery of four and attempted to attack an ANP dent should be pointed out because the attack private trucks on 11th of Decem- checkpoint. Eventually, the attack occurred in relatively quiet district and marks ber. Beside an armed clash be- was averted as ANP reinforce- only the fifth reported incident in Farkhar this tween ANP/pro-government mi- ments came to the area. year. Although highly unusual, the incident litia members and AOG reported It is worth noting, that several should not automatically be related to a genu- in Khwaja Ghar District during a IDF assaults have been reported ine AOG presence as this escalation could be a joint operation; the majority of across the province in the past product of local power-struggling. THE ANSO REPORT Page 10

W ESTERN REGION

NGO Incidents HERAT HERAT Year to Date 18 80 This Report Period 1 70 IEDs remain a concern in the 60 northern as well as in the southern 50 but leaving the Governor un- 40 part of Herat Province. This was harmed. At present, it seems likely 30 most evident in Kushki Kuhna that the background of this assas- 20 District where a roadside IED hit 10 sination attempt appears to be 0 a civilian vehicle on 16th of De- local tensions, in relation to the cember 2010, killing 14 people ALP deployment process. Local HERAT AOG HERAT Crime and wounding another four. The authorities are reportedly con- incident happened on the main cerned of the way ALP members Armed clashes between ANSF/Pro- road between Kushk and Kushki were recruited and also raised Government Militia (PGM) and AOG were Kuhna in Char Bagh Area, which questions on how the ALP in the recorded in Chishti Sharif and Obe districts. In is close to Kushki Kuhna’s IED district can be supervised effi- Chishti Sharif AOG clashed with PGM in Ta- hotspot, Darzak Area. One day ciently. Although the background ghab Ghaza Area on 23rd December 2010. before, two roadside IEDs were of two further assassinations of Later on the same day, ANSF conducted a discovered and safely defused in local elders in the following days search operation in the district and clashed the same area. As assessed in pre- is unconfirmed, a connection to again with the AOG. This latest operation is vious reports, IED activity in Ku- the ALP process is not unlikely. expected to have stabilized the district, at least shki Kuhna but also in Kushk is On 22nd of December 2010, two for the short-term. However, it is unclear yet expected to continue, especially unknown men on motorbikes how other power holders, who are active in the targeting the main roads. At the opened fire on the vehicle of the district, will react to the latest changes and same time, ANA is launching op- head of the District Shura on the NGOs should remain cautious for the next erations in Kushki Kuhna and main road in Deh Mazamag Area, weeks. reportedly deployed approxi- killing him and his son. In addi- mately 400 ANA soldiers in the tion, on 27th of December 2010 a In Obe, AOGs were visibly active on the main district. tribal elder was shot and killed by Herat-Obe main road after 7 p.m. On 18th of Another significant IED incident unknown men on motorbikes in December 2010, AOG attacked an ANP con- took place in Shindand District, Zirkoh Area. Further tensions voy for around two hours in Turk Abad Area. where a roadside IED hit the Dis- related to the ALP process are to In addition, ANSF and AOG clashed on 27th trict Governor’s vehicle on 21st of be expected and taken into ac- of December 2010 again, after the AOG tried December 2010 in Pusht Shahar count in Shindand District. to block the main road. The incidents indicate Area, wounding three bodyguards that AOGs become more active again after no such incidents were recorded in November. THE ANSO REPORT Page 11

NGO Incidents FARAH FARAH Year to Date 0 50

This Report Period 0 40 After a period of less AOG activi- ties and a decreasing use of IEDs, and one detonation against a local 30 Farah Province has seen a usual transport in July in Bande Sar- 20 incident profile again during the gadan Area. 10 current reporting cycle. The ma- Even more unusual was an IED 0 jority of incidents were IED re- discovered in Qala-I-Kah district. lated, of which 60% were discov- This is the second recorded IED FARAH AOG FARAH Crime eries. Unusual was that IED ac- related incident in the last two tivities were recorded in Ana years. AOGs were not visibly ac- City. In Farah City, an IED was discovered on Dara, Qala-I-Kah and Shib Koh tive in the district in 2010, com- 16th of December 2010 in District 3 and on districts. On 18th of December in pared to 2009 where several 24th of December 2010 in District one in Anar Dara ANBP discovered 50 armed clashes with IMF/ANSF front of the private house of an ANP officer. kg of explosives in one case and were recorded. In regard to Shib Direct attacks and armed clashes accounted for seven BM-1 rockets as well as Koh, it was the first IED related 22% of all incidents recorded in Farah Prov- explosive devices in the second incident in this district, where ince during this reporting cycle. Direct attacks case in the border area to Iran. If AOGs were not particularly active against ANSF were recorded in Pusht Rod as this is linked to increasing reports in the last two years as well. On well as in Bala Buluk and against fuel tankers about Iranian support to AOGs in 17th of December 2010, an IED of a supply convoy in Bakwa. Of note, on 21st the Western Region is not con- hit an ANP vehicle, killing one of December 2010 ANSF and AOG clashed firmed, however it is not unlikely. ANP. Altogether, it remains to be on the Herat-Kandahar main road in Nalak AOGs became more active in seen, if these incidents already Area of Bala Buluk. Anar Dara since June this year indicate a shift of AOF activities ANSF/IMF operations targeting AOGs con- and so far concentrate on the use to usually quieter districts. 60% of tinued in Bala Buluk, Pusht Rod and Khaki of IEDs and during October and all IED related incidents were still Safed and more operations are expected during November on attacks against con- taking place in the usual hotspots the next months, especially in these three dis- struction companies. There have Bala Buluk, Bakwa and Farah been three IED discoveries before tricts. THE ANSO REPORT Page 12

NGO Incidents GHOR Year to Date 11 GHOR 50 This Report Period 1 The overall AOG activity in Ghor 40 decreased during this reporting the winter season starts, which is a 30 period. Exceptions were the kill- possible explanation for the 20 ing of an ANP officer on 28th of calmer period in the southern part 10 December 2010 in Ghar Manna of Ghor. 0 Area of Saghar District as well as Three districts in Ghor Province the intrusion of AOG into a pri- saw armed clashes due to tribal GHOR AOG GHOR Crime vate house in Kamarak Area on tensions during the current re- the same day, which resulted in an porting cycle. Charsada saw an also on 24th of December 2010 in Sia Chob ANP operation. Furthermore, armed clash on 18th of December Area. However, the situation in all three dis- three roadside IEDs were discov- 2010 in Malmini Village. In reac- tricts seems stable at the end of the current ered in the district centre of Shah- tion to the clash, ANP were de- reporting period and no further clashes were rak on 25th of December 2010. In ployed to the area to stabilize the reported. Nevertheless, since tensions in Shah- 2010, two IED discoveries were situation. In addition, local ten- rak were already visible at the beginning of recorded in Shahrak, whereas in sions in Sharak district continued. December and reports on a rearming of the 2009 there were five discoveries On 24th of December 2010, two local population in Sharak as well as Du Layna and two detonations. Therefore, groups clashed to a tribal issue. It were increasing; further violent tensions are compared to last year IED related is unclear if the clash was linked not unlikely in the next weeks. incidents decreased in the district. to tensions aroused by local con- In regard to the ANA deployment mentioned AOG activity in the southern dis- cerns in regard to the handling of in The ANSO Report (16-30 November 2010), tricts, Pasaband and Taywara, was a murder case by local authorities there should be a correction noted; the report low during this reporting cycle. at the beginning of the month. stated that the ANA deployment has started Reports indicate that at least some Local tensions due to a tribal dis- already. That is not the case, but the deploy- of the non-local AOGs have pute were also recorded in Du ment is still planned for the beginning of 2011. moved back to Helmand before Layna, where two groups clashed

NGO Incidents BADGHIS BADGHIS Year to Date 0 70 This Report Period 0 60 The reconciliation process in 50 Badghis seems to gain momen- 2010 in Kargas Ghal Area. AOG 40 are usually not as active in Ab 30 tum, with reportedly around 80 20 AOG members joining the GoA Kamari as its neighboring dis- 10 in Qala-I-Naw, Muqur and Qadis tricts; however one attack on 0 in the last two weeks. Neverthe- ANSF or an illegal checkpoint were recorded more or less once a less, AOGs remained active espe- BADGHIS AOG BADGHIS Crime cially during the second part of month since June this year. IEDs the current period. were discovered in Joy Ganj Area of Murghab and in Ghormach. operations targeting again the AOG command The majority of the direct attacks On 18th of December 2010, structure. In Murghab, an IMF airstrike killed a were recorded in Ghormach AOG also ambushed an ANP prominent AOG commander and wounded again, as was the case during the EOD team in Ghormach, which two AOG members on 18th of December last reporting cycle. And again the was on its way to defuse an 2010. Reportedly, the killed AOG commander District Administration Centre in RCIED. was responsible for IED training and the coor- Ghormach was in the focus of an dination of IED attacks in Badghis Province. attack, whereas all other attacks in Altogether, direct attacks were the His death might be a reason for the decrease Ghormach but also in Murghab, main tactic employed by AOGs of IEDs mentioned above. Further IMF op- Muqur and Qadis districts were across the province, whereas erations in Murghab, Muqur and Qadis as were directed against IMF/ANSF. Of IEDs decreased this time. The already seen during the last reporting periods note, Ab Kamari District saw an drop in IED related incidents are expected also for the beginning of 2011. armed clash on 26th of December might be related to recent IMF THE ANSO REPORT Page 13

E ASTERN REGION

NGO Incidents NANGARHAR Year to Date NANGARHAR This Report Period 0 100 Security incidents in Nangarhar 80 have both risen slightly and been stani AOG; this was the first time pressing closer to Jalalabad City. in the history of the conflict in 60 Nangarhar recorded the highest Nangarhar that such a cordon and 40 number of security incidents in search operation had been con- 20 any of the eastern provinces, with ducted. Furthermore, IMF and 0 86. However, there were no large ANSF conducted a joint opera- scale, complex attacks recorded, tion in nearby Gandamak, and the and a significant (and growing) following day began a multiple NANGARHAR AOG NANGARHAR Crime number of these are criminal in day operation in the remote Markikhel, also known to be im- nature – for example, personal weapons while ANP disrupted a planned IDF portant AOG locations and stag- disputes that escalate into shoot- attack on the DAC. ing posts. And operations contin- ings or ANP arrests for petty In Achin, 7 of the 8 reported events were crimes such as hashish possession. ued through the second week of the period, with a further IMF- ANSF- and IMF-initiated, with a particular NGO should note a rise in basic ANSF operation in Kodi Khel on focus on poppy eradication: in 5 separate inci- criminality and respond appropri- the 29th, which led to the arrest dents, a total of 14 acres of poppy was de- ately. Nangarhar also demon- of one Afghan and 6 Pakistani stroyed by ANP Anti-Narcotics Teams. Fur- strated relatively high number of AOG fighters. While heavy winter thermore, IMF and ANSF conducted opera- AOG-initiated incidents, a sign snows have now blocked the tions on two consecutive days in the Abdul that the situation in the province route across the mountains into Khel area of the district, the first of which de- now and in the near future is not Pakistan, and thus curbed AOG stroyed a heroin processing facility, and the looking positive. There is a clear infiltration, there are reports of second of which led to the seizure of a weap- pattern of AOG encroachment Pakistani AOG members access- ons cache consisting of RPGs, mines and an closer and closer to the city, start- ing this hotspot district via the IED. There are reports of growing AOG in- ing from the southwest and southeast of the province instead volvement in the heroin industry in the area. southeast, and moving into which may result in a sustained Suggesting future trends many incidents oc- Chaparhar, Rodat, and Sorkh high tempo of attacks. curred in the districts of Bihsud, Rodat, Sorkh Rod. In Khogyani there was only one Rod and Chaparhar, surrounding Jalalabad City Beginning first in Sherzad, the security incident, an IED strike which are now being targeted for destabilisa- district was home to the stand-out against an IMF vehicle. Normally tion. In Chaparhar, AOG fighters attacked the military operations of the report- Khogyani records many more convoy of the District Governor, injuring him ing period. First, on the 19th, IMF incidents than this, and this rela- and a bodyguard. On the ring road a magnetic drones shot and killed 3 AOG tive calm may be attributable to IED detonated against a fuel truck and a large fighters in Tutu village as they the operations in nearby Sherzad. IED struck an IMF vehicle in roughly the were planting IEDs on the main In Pachir wa Agam, IMF con- same area a couple of days later. Of note, as road leading to the DAC. Then, ducted an airstrike against AOG with along the Kabul-Jalalabad Highway, these starting on the 22nd, IMF and locations, missing their target, attacks occurred outside of work hours, thus ANSF ground forces backed by while AOG fighters attacked a minimising the likely disruption to the popu- air support surrounded and cor- truck carrying IMF supplies, as- lace. More broadly, there were a significant doned off Tutu, encountering and saulting the driver. And in Deh number of fatal shootings by unknown armed engaging armed resistance, and Bala, AOG fighters attacked an groups in these districts, including of an ANA killing/capturing a so far uncon- ABP CP with SAF and heavy soldier, and a number of IEDs discovered on firmed number of local and Paki- main roads leading to DACs. THE ANSO REPORT Page 14

NGO Incidents NURISTAN Year to Date NURISTAN 50 This Report Period 0 Nuristan demonstrated a high 40 number of reported incidents dur- two different mortar attacks on 30 ing this reporting period, in spite the PRT base in the Kala Gosh 20 of the harsh winter weather. Since area of Nurgaram, separated by 8 10

mid-2008, Nuristan has frequently hours. Unlike in the previous pe- 0 seen just 2/3 incidents per report riod, where 4 local workers were period, but in the first week of injured, these mortar incidents

this reporting cycle, we have seen fortunately caused no harm. How- NURISTAN AOG NURISTAN Crime up to 3 per day. Particularly, there ever, on the 28th there was a has been an unusually large more accurate strike on the PRT, ing given that up to now it hadn’t seen any amount of kinetic activity, both when two mortars struck the fuel incidents for the past two months. In the first, from the AOG side targeting IMF storage area at 1500 hrs, sparking AOG fighters attacked three ABP OPs for and ANSF, and vice versa. a fire that burnt until 0100 hrs the several hours, wounding two ABP policemen. following day. On the 16th, there were two sepa- Meanwhile, in an incident which shows that rate air strikes on AOG locations, In Kamdesh’s Kumargal area, even the AOGs operating in Nuristan have to one in Waygal and one in Nur- there were two incidents on con- reckon with the independent strength of the garam, the district which is now secutive days, the first an IMF air local population, a large firefight broke out home to the Nuristan PRT after strike reported to have killed at between a group of armed fighters and the its 2008 withdrawal from the east least 3 AOG members, and the local community after the armed fighters at- of the province. Neither saw re- second a joint IMF-ANSF ground tempted to forcefully disarm a local ANP offi- ported casualties, but it is impor- operation the following day, cial and ambush his brother, which led to the tant to remember that this does which detained 11 AOG, includ- armed community counter-attacking the AOG not mean there weren’t any; the ing 4 Pakistanis. fighters. The result was 3 AOG fighters and terrain makes information difficult And on the same day as the Kam- the brother of the policeman killed, and 2 to transport and confirm. On the desh ground operation, Bargi AOG and the policeman wounded. same day, moreover, there were Matal saw two incidents – surpris- THE ANSO REPORT Page 15

NGO Incidents KUNAR KUNAR Year to Date 200 This Report Period 0 Incident levels rose on last period 150 their release within 3 hours. While by about 15%, even as the num- 100 ber of significant IMF and ANSF many kidnapping cases are suc- operations dropped. This latter cessfully resolved by intervention 50 fact had the fortunate side effect from local elders, who retain 0 of reducing the number of civil- much respect and have been less ians killed and injured (6 wounded frequently targeted in Kunar than in some other southern and east- in two operations) as compared to KUNAR AOG KUNAR Crime last period, when 10 were killed ern provinces, ANP abductees and 10 others wounded. However, represent a more valuable political injury of three children due to the inaccuracy it is also clear from the 50% in- (rather than financial) target. As of the projectiles. crease in AOG-initiated attacks such, more than in other cases, that the trend in incidents is not these events show the constraints In Narang, there were two attacks on the same one-directional and we may face on AOG freedom of action that joint IMF/ANSF OP over three days, while deterioration early 2011. are rooted in local social struc- across the river in Sirkanay, there were 2 at- tures. tacks on IMF convoys, 1 on the IMF base in What remained of significant IMF the district, and one on an ANP CP, none of operations occurred in Manogai IMF operations also took place in which did any damage. In Marawara, an IED and Ghaziabad, sites of the earlier Manogai, where the period’s only struck an ABP vehicle, severely damaging it push. On the 20th in the Jalala AOG casualties were recorded. and injuring a policeman, while to the north- area of Ghaziabad, in a gloomy The first occurred in Dangalak, west, in Shegal, there were two AOG direct sign of the security improvements where an IMF air operation struck attacks, one on an IMF convoy and one on an in the district, local AOG fighters AOG facilities, killing 3 and injur- ANP CP. Finally, in the northern Nari district, dressed in ANA uniforms estab- ing 3 others, while the second air there were 2 attacks on ABP CPs, one on the lished illegal mobile CPs and operation occurred in Omar, IMF base in the Sonik area, which led to the sought to identify locals working which killed 11 AOG fighters, death of a PSC guard, and an attack on the with the GOA or IMF, abducting including a prominent district- ANP district HQ – all direct attacks with SAF 3 civilians as a result. Hours later level commander. and HW. that day, an IMF operation took Apart from a joint operation in place in the same area targeting Shegal, however, the remaining However, there were also a number of inci- AOG locations and backed by air incidents were almost entirely dents that sat outside the above dichotomy, support; the operation led to no AOG-initiated, with most target- and highlighted the strength of local communi- detentions, and 3 local children ing ANSF or IMF. In Manogai, ties in standing up to AOGs. In the Shinalay injured. It remains unclear if the there were 4 separate attacks on area of Chapa Dara, the local community tar- IMF operation was solely reactive IMF, 3 on IMF patrols and 1 on geted and captured 4 fellow villagemen of the to the illegal CPs, but what is clear the IMF base located in the Kan- AOG commander responsible for the kidnap- is that insecurity remains a sharp dagal valley. In the Yar Gul area ping of the Nuristan ANP CID official travel- concern in that district. of Asadabad on the 20th, AOG ling through the area on 6th December. The community demanded that the CID official be Two days previously in a nearby fighters attacked an IMF OP with swapped for the 4, and the commander con- part of Ghaziabad – Bargam – SAF and heavy weapons three sented to the deal. Meanwhile in the Qamchay AOG fighters attacked and over- times in a single day. In Bar area of Wata Pur, recent site of intense IMF ran an ANP CP, capturing 3 local Kunar and Chawkay, there were operations, the local population came to the ANP. In the second incident in each one AOG attack on IMF, rescue of a traffic policeman whom AOG Kunar this period to demonstrate the latter also seeing a direct at- fighters were attempting to abduct. The result- the relatively strong balance of tack on the DAC. In Dangam, ing clash led to the detention of 3 AOG fight- power that local communities there were two attacks on IMF ers, who were handed over to the ANP. Fi- show vis-à-vis AOGs, the inter- convoys, and in Khas Kunar, nally, in another ANP abduction case, 2 ab- vention of local elders on behalf there was a mortar attack on the ducted ANP managed to escape from their 4 of their fellow villagemen secured IMF base there, which led to the day captivity in Bar Kunar’s Jalala area. THE ANSO REPORT Page 16

NGO Incidents KHOST Year to Date KHOST This Report Period 0 120 Khost remained volatile and dan- 100 gerous during this reporting pe- AOG commanders in the DAC 80 riod, although a one third drop in area, including the Bak Shadow 60 incidents was recorded as com- District Governor. There were 3 40 pared to the previous period. Per- other joint ground operations in 20 0 haps the most important incident Bak, all in the DAC, detaining 28 concerning Khost happened not suspected AOG members, includ- in the province itself, but in Kan- ing 22 in a single haul the day af- KHOST AOG KHOST Crime dahar, where on the 15th the ter the drone strike. NDS arrested the Khost Shadow In Sabari, there were 5 significant Tere Zayi, Khost City, Bak and Sabari, while Governor. This was a particular IMF/ANSF operations, killing 1 there were 7 direct attacks which caused nota- success on the part of the GOA AOG fighter and detaining 8 ble loss of life. In Khost City on the 26th, because of the habit of the Wa- more, while in Tere Zayi there there were two separate incidents involving ziristan-based AOG that domi- were 3 significant operations, kill- AOG attacks on PSC employees, which led to nates Loya Paktya of covertly in- ing 5 and detaining 13 others. The 2 PSC guards killed. The following day in the stalling its shadow political leader- IMF argued that these higher level capital, gunmen in ANA uniforms attacked a ship and then switching them out captures, in combined with the civilian vehicle with SAF, killing 2 and wound- as soon as their identity is revealed sustained targeting of AOG com- ing 4 others; however, this may not have been – unlike the IEA, which often manders and their units across the AOG-related, but rather criminally motivated. makes efforts to publicise new province and increased drone In Tere Zayi, an ANP was shot dead by an shadow political leadership, as a strikes on both sides of the bor- AOG fighter, and there were 2 other direct fire function of its state aspirations. der, have degraded this AOG’s incidents involving IMF and ANSF as targets, This arrest came within a week of strength in the wider Loya Paktya in Musa Khel and Gurbuz. reports of the arrest in Pakistan’s region. However, while the Across the province, there were 20 IED inci- FATA of a core family member AOG’s operational capacity and dents; 8 detonations and 12 disposals. The dis- and financial chief of leadership freedom of movement may have posals were particularly concentrated in Sabari of the same AOG, as he returned been significantly curtailed, it re- and Khost City, and are a good indication of from what was likely a fundraising mains to be seen if these gains will the strength of ANSF in their ability to dis- trip in the Gulf. These incidents, be sustainable once the extremely cover and successfully defuse. However, in which are likely to have a negative cold winter weather coincidentally Khost City 3 IEDs did detonate, 2 of which impact at the strategic level on the found in the most insecure border targeted and struck ANA vehicles, together aforementioned AOG, come after districts lifts. leading to 1 ANA soldier killed and 1 an extended period of sustained Furthermore, even with a substan- wounded, and 1 civilian killed and 1 wounded. high intensity IMF capture/kill tial upping in intensity over the The third IED in Khost City was also worthy operations against the same preceding few periods, Khost re- of note, striking the house of a former GOA group’s mid-level commanders, mained insecure – a demonstra- official recently rented to IO staff; while it which continued into this period. tion of the resiliency and determi- caused little damage, this may have been an For example, in Sabari, Bak and nation of the dominant armed attempt to strike this IO, which has played an Tere Zayi IMF and ANSF opera- group there. Across the province, important role in supporting the GOA since tions kept up the pressure on the there were 9 (inconsequential) 2002. group. On the 14th, a drone strike IDF attacks on IMF, ANSF and killed 4 mid- to high-ranking GOA targets, concentrated in THE ANSO REPORT Page 17

NGO Incidents PAKTYA Year to Date PAKTYA 100 This Report Period 0 Consistent with expected trends 80 seen in previous report periods, EOD team in Chamkanay, IMF 60 the number of incidents contin- bases in Chamkanay and Wuza 40 ued to fall considerably in Paktya, Zadran, and the Wuza Zadran and 20 with just 20 recorded during this Jaji DACs. Of all these incidents, 0 year’s final reporting period as the only the Jaji IDF attack caused cold winter weather set in with harm, injuring a policeman and 2 full force across the province. of his family members. There PAKTYA AOG PAKTYA Crime This represents a 50% decrease in were also 4 IED strikes, 3 of incidents as compared with last which occurred in Shwak along period’s 30 significant incidents, the main Gardez-Khost Highway. Pakistan-based AOGs, has succeeded at least itself a 50% drop on the second The first IED struck an ANA temporarily. However, the torching of a school half of November. vehicle in the Sato Kandow area would suggest that AOGs in the district re- main strong enough to be able to focus on Perhaps the most significant inci- on Dec 18th, killing an officer and offensive activity, rather than just survival, and dent was the kidnapping of 4 injuring two soldiers. Another 2 it remains to be seen whether Zurmat will Turkish engineers working with a also occurred in Shwak, both in maintain its current fragile state of calm both private road construction com- the Shabak Tangai area: one in the coming months and when the 2011 pany, who were taken in the Mu- struck an ANA vehicle, injuring a fighting season starts in earnest. qbal Dara area of Dand wa Patan soldier, and the other an IMF ve- on the morning of the 26th and hicle 5 days later. The final IED Those IMF operations that did take place each were reported to have been struck an ANA vehicle in Sayed resulted in a number of suspected AOG mem- quickly taken out of the district, Karam DAC, causing minor dam- bers detained. Of particular note was that two with some reporting the destina- age. of the operations, in Ahmadabad and Sayed tion as Pakistan, and some as Sa- Significant IMF operations simi- Karam, targeted madrassas. In the Sayed bari district in neighbouring larly dropped off, with just 4 re- Karam raid, locals seemed to accept that the 3 Khost. Local sources deem it to corded – in Ahmadabad, Cham- students and 2 maulawis (including the head of have been criminally motivated, kanay, Sayed Karam and Gardez the institution) detained by the IMF were con- and negotiations led by elders City – as compared to last period’s nected with the region’s primary Waziristan- from 4 tribes are currently ongo- 9. Of note, none were recorded in based AOG. However, in the Ahmadabad raid, ing. Similar to the mass abduction Zurmat, the recent focus of IMF it is felt among the population that the 3 stu- of demining staff in Nangarhar capture/kill operations; in fact, dents arrested by the IMF were simply civilians during the previous period, this apart from an incident involving and unconnected to any AOGs in the region. incident should remind NGOs of AOG members setting fire to a There were also a number of overlapping the danger of kidnapping for ran- boys’ school in the Sahak area of threat warnings regarding SBBIEDs and som when working close to the the district, no incidents were re- SVBIEDs in Gardez City in the second week border by criminal groups, for corded there. As such, it could be of this reporting period, mentioned ANSF or whom such snatch and grab op- the case that the recent push by UN targets. Coming in the context of the spate erations represent a potentially IMF to clear the district of its mid of high profile suicide bombings against large lucrative source of income. -level AOG operatives, as part of ANSF and IMF installations in Loya Paktya Of the 11 AOG-initiated inci- the wider aggressive SOF-led ef- this Autumn and Winter, the general risk in the dents, 5 were IDF on GOA and fort across the south and east to vicinity of UN facilities will remain elevated IMF targets, including an IMF heap pressure on the primary for the present. THE ANSO REPORT Page 18

NGO Incidents LAGHMAN Year to Date LAGHMAN 50 This Report Period 0 After a worrying escalation in 40 AOG-IMF kinetic engagement days respite, there were a further 2 30 attacks on the 28th in the Tangi during the last reporting period, 20 Laghman was somewhat quieter Abrisham area, this time just during this period. That being across the border in Surobi dis- 10 said, there were still a number of trict of Kabul province. These 0 significant security events, with targeted an IMF supply convoy at incidences of insecurity and traffic approximately 1000 hrs, and an problems along the Kabul- ANA OP at 1400 hrs. LAGHMAN AOG LAGHMAN Crime Jalalabad Highway continuing to Furthermore, reporting suggests The period also saw the first occurrence of a be particularly important, and that the IEA and associated actors form of AOG incident until now exclusively making up 50% of the period’s has decided to continue to focus recorded in Nangarhar – an IED in a music Laghman incidents. upon attacking ANSF and IMF shop – which occurred on December 24th in on the Highway, and a single First, three attacks took place in Mehtarlam City. This has been a relatively commander has been given opera- two days – 17th and 18th – along common phenomenon in Jalalabad City during tional authority for planning at- the Highway. AOG fighters, 2010, causing the near elimination of the mu- tacks on this roadway, from the staged on the overlooking hilltops sic/DVD sector there as most shopowners Torkham border crossing as far as to the western edge of Qarghayi have closed down in fear of being targeted. A Pul-e Charki on the outskirts of district near the provincial border likely explanation of the Jalalabad campaign is Kabul.. However, as the IEA is with Surobi district, attacked a that it allowed for a form of social influence by sensitive to public opinion, and private vehicle with SAF in the the conservative AOGs in an urban centre in would also not wish to overly dis- evening, destroying it, wounding which they otherwise had little social influence. rupt trucking – from which a the driver and abducting 4 occu- This may indeed be the motivation behind this number of groups earn significant pants. The following day, as the first strike, and as such there is a reasonable revenue – it is likely to remain the Laghman Governor, the Minister probability of further such attacks in Laghman case that attacks mostly occur out- for Higher Education and other in 2011. Moreover, the strike may represent side of work hours. dignitaries were waiting to begin the growing operational and ideological ties the inauguration of a new univer- With that said, though, the short between Laghman and Nangarhar AOG units sity by the Surkhakan junction, attack on an ANA OP that oc- and commanders, as the eastern AOG cam- AOG fighters attacked the gather- curred on the 28th in Tangi paign picks up speed and develops a more co- ing with rockets and SAF, at 1000 Abrisham took place in the early herent operational direction. hrs. Then later that day, approx. afternoon. And there are reports With regard to less stand-out incidents, an 1600 hrs, AOG fighters again at- of plans to capture/kill Indian and IED was discovered by ANP on the main road tacked, this time an ANA convoy Afghan nationals assisting in the to Alishing DAC, later being defused by an in the area of the fish farming construction of the new electricity IMF EOD team, and another such discovery project near to Darunta tunnel. infrastructure along the Highway and disposal occurred in the Kande Rajaee area that is bringing more consistent On the morning of the 22nd, of Alingar, a known location for AOG IEDs power to Jalalabad City from Ka- AOG staged upon the hills in the against IMF. On the evening of the same day bul province. As such, even dur- Qarghayi section of Tangi in Alingar, there was a also brief SAF direct ing the day, it can be credibly ar- Abrisham attacked an IMF con- attack on the DAC, with no significant conse- gued that the threat profile along voy, sparking a temporary firefight quences. and a longer-lasting mobilization the Highway has risen. along the roadway. With a few THE ANSO REPORT Page 19

S OUTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents KANDAHAR KANDAHAR Year to Date 8 200 This Report Period 1 Kandahar Province appears to be 150 as restive as ever, with no decline the suicide attackers) were killed 100 in the two incidents. In addition, in the sheer numbers of incidents. 50 In addition, AOG-initiated opera- in separate incidents roadside tions seemed to be focused on IEDs were detonated against ve- 0 high-profile results, with several hicle convoys containing the Dis- assassination attempts against Dis- trict Governors of Dand and KANDAHAR AOG KANDAHAR Crime trict Governors, as well as several Shorabak. In both cases the main VBIED and BBIED attacks in the targets survived; however in the city and surrounding area. IMF case of the Dand DG, four nearby In a rare security incident involving an NGO have continued intensive opera- civilians were killed and in the operating in Kandahar, a local national em- tions in the Districts of Panjwayi, case of the Shorabak DG, the ployed by an NGO was shot in the head while Zhari, Arghandab and Dand. Governor and four of his entou- rage were severely wounded. in his vehicle in Dand District. He subse- Proving that they still have the quently passed away after intensive efforts by IMF operations appeared to target ability and will to plan sophisti- both provincial and IMF medical facilities. suspected or known drug storage cated attacks, Kandahar-based After a cursory investigation, it is currently areas, and in four separate opera- AOG undertook two suicide at- assumed that a personal dispute was the source tions, astonishing amounts of tacks, one BBIED attempt at a of this incident and that this does not repre- opium (800 kgs) and hashish (650 funeral in Panjwayi and one sent the beginning of targeting by AOG of kgs) were discovered in Spin SVBIED attack in front of the NGOs. Kabul Bank in Kandahar City. Boldak and Shah Wali Kot Dis- Casualties were relatively low, as a tricts. total of four persons (including

NGO Incidents NIMROZ NIMROZ Year to Date 0 100 This Report Period 0 Nimroz Province has been very 80

quiet for the last month; however, some weapons. Compounding 60 a rash of incidents in northern these efforts, an IMF airstrike in district of Khash Rod over the the area of Deh Mazang along the 40 past week shattered that calm. main highway killed three AOG 20 IMF operations targeting the area attempting to plant a roadside 0 of Lohki village managed to de- IED. tain, in two separate operations, AOG attempted a rocket attack NIMROZ AOG NIMROZ Crime five AOG fighters and a mid-level on Dilaram DAC, however an commander for the area. These ANP patrol interrupted their AOG presence in Nimroz will most likely re- operations were followed up by a preparations and the AOG and sult in a relatively low level of AOG activity raid on Bukwa village in the same their weapons were seized. These for the next several weeks. district, resulting in the seizure of setbacks to the already-limited THE ANSO REPORT Page 20

NGO Incidents HELMAND Year to Date 3 HELMAND This Report Period 0 200 IEDs and AOG direct attacks on 150 ANP featured prominently in Hel- Nahri Sarraj District by a roadside mand Province during the last two IED, killing 10 and wounding 100 another five civilians. weeks. The overall number of 50 incidents continues to be ex- Direct attacks initiated by AOG tremely high, especially in the dis- primarily took place against ANP, 0 tricts of Lashkar Gah and Sangin, although an ambush of an IMF the site of the majority of the foot patrol in Nizamudin village HELMAND AOG HELMAND Crime clashes between AOG and IMF/ in Sangin resulted in seven AOG ANSF. members and five civilians (three Apart from a number of search and seizure There were 18 IED strikes (as women and two children) killed. operations undertaken by IMF/ANSF, the well as another 22 discovery/ Against ANP targets, AOG killed other significant activity which took place over disposal ops) throughout the a total of eight (and wounded at the past two weeks has been a wave of arrests province, primarily against IMF/ least 13 others) in 11 separate at- of farmers for growing poppy in the province. ANSF vehicles, resulting in three tacks on posts and patrols. The Whether this represents the start of a renewed ANSF killed, three IMF wounded largest of these attacks occurred in effort to reduce production (something largely and several vehicles destroyed. the Group Shash area of Nad Ali, ignored since Operation Moshtarak in the This represents a significant jump when an AOG force overran an spring) or is a short-term effort, will certainly from the last two report periods. ANP post killing three ANP and affect civilian attitudes towards IMF/ANSF In addition, the civilian death toll seizing a number of weapons and operations and presence, which in some areas was large – 14 killed – mainly due vehicles. is already extremely low. to one particular incident wherein a Townace mini-bus was struck in

NGO Incidents URUZGAN Year to Date 0 URUZGAN This Report Period 0 100 Uruzgan Province remains ex- 80

tremely insecure, and the use of trict, wherein AOG placed an 60 IEDs has appeared to have risen IED in front of the residence of 40 during this report period. The an ANP officer. Early in the pattern of IMF search and seizure morning the father of the ANP 20 operations, established approxi- officer stepped on the device and 0 mately six weeks ago, continues was killed. URUZGAN AOG URUZGAN Crime with considerable success. AOG maintained a reduced level Chora District in particular was of direct attacks, avoiding direct ANSF operations over the past two weeks. In plagued by IED incidents over the confrontation with IMF vehicles seven separate operations, IMF/ANSF seized past two weeks, with 13 separate and personnel, and focusing on a a substantial amount of small and medium incidents, including six discov- handful of SAF/RPG attacks on weapons, ammunition and explosive materials, ery / disposal operations carried ANP posts, primarily in Khorma mainly in the districts of Chora and Tirin Kot. out by IMF EOD teams in the and Kakrak areas of Tirin Kot These discoveries, however, did not seem to area of Khwaja Ahmad, and an- District. In total, one ANP was be accompanied by AOG detentions and were other three in nearby Qala-e-Now killed and three others wounded. discovered as caches, mostly assessed to be for in the same district. IEDs fatali- Uruzgan’s status as a storage/ medium-term use. It will be important to de- ties occurred in Tirin Kowt, staging area for AOG attacks else- termine whether there are any short-term wherein seven ANP were killed where in the region was rein- benefits to these raids, especially in light of the when two IEDs they were han- forced by major finds of equip- recent rise in IED activity in the province. dling exploded, and in the village ment and materials by IMF/ of Khanaka, also in Tirin Kot Dis- THE ANSO REPORT Page 21

NGO Incidents GHAZNI Year to Date 1 GHAZNI This Report Period 0 250 During the report period Ghazni 200 Province hosted the usual variety were killed as a result of the 12 of incidents, including direct and separate attacks on ANP posts in 150 indirect attacks, intimidation and the two districts. 100 assassination, and a number of Incidents involving roadside IEDs 50 IMF/ANSF operations. were more numerous than in the 0 Normally a mainstay of AOG past several months, and during operations, indirect (mortar and the present report period there GHAZNI AOG GHAZNI Crime rocket) attacks declined in propor- were 15 occasions during which tion to direct attacks. This may AOG were caught attempting to Ghazni City. In addition, two other civilians indicate re-supply problems, or plant and/or detonate such de- were killed in separate incidents in Ghazni City realization amongst some of the vices. In total, five AOG were for supposed collaboration. local commanders that rockets killed during these attempts, in IMF operations were subdued, with only sev- and mortars have done little in addition to the three ANSF per- eral search operations launched in Ghazni, terms of substantial damage to sonnel who died in other attacks. Andar and Gelan Districts. The operations in their targets. As such, the extent Of note is an IED discovery in Gelan, near the DAC, were notable not only of indirect fire attacks was a sole Qarabagh District in which the for the substantial amount of explosives and incident in which the DAC of device detonated as an IMF EOD weapons recovered, but also for an air strike Waghaz District received several team was working on it; as a re- against AOG in Saheb Zada village which re- mortar rounds, causing no dam- sult, five IMF soldiers were seri- portedly killed seven AOG fighters including a ages or injuries. ously wounded. mid-level commander. Direct attacks occurred primarily AOG continue to attempt to in- In terms of trends one can probably expect the in the districts of Ghazni and An- timidate civilians from cooperat- use of rockets and mortars – given their lack of dar; however, as in the past, ing with GOA/IMF efforts; to effectiveness – to decrease over time. What Ghazni-based AOG tend to dis- this end ANA located the corpse should be followed is the future trend with engage early during an engage- of a local employee working as a respect to the apparently increasing use of ment, which results in minimal guard in the PRT who was ab- roadside IEDs in the province. casualties on both sides. As a re- ducted about a week ago by AOG sult, only a total of three ANP from the Haider Abad area of

NGO Incidents ZABUL Year to Date 1 ZABUL This Report Period 0 100 Zabul Province continues to host 80 IMF. And in Shahjoy District in a wide variety of incidents and the 60 recent dip in total number of inci- two separate incidents, an NDS 40 dents has rebounded slightly. The official was shot and killed in Lali most common types of incidents village, and AOG fired two rock- 20 during the report period appear to ets towards the DAC while the 0 have been attempts at intimida- Provincial Governor was holding a meeting with district elders. tion of civilians and attacks on ZABUL AOG ZABUL Crime public officials. IMF maintained a Lastly, a fruit vendor was harassed vigorous pace of operations in and his supplies destroyed by variety of weapons and explosives, in addition Zabul, launching search opera- AOG in Tarnak wa Jaldak as a to resulting in the deaths of 16 AOG and the tions in many parts of the prov- result of AOG suspicion that he arrest of another 12. IMF also arrested the ince. Civilians in Zozgara village was supplying IMF units. Mullah of Ata Khan village in Shahjoy for hav- of Qalat were visited by AOG IMF operations in Shahjoy, Qalat ing links to the local AOG units, provoking a who demanded that they stop any and Tarnak Wa Jaldak Districts short but vocal protest from villagers which planned projects with GoA or appeared very effective as a total had no lasting effects. of 11 operations netted a wide THE ANSO REPORT Page 22

NGO Incidents PAKTIKA PAKTIKA Year to Date 1 150 This Report Period 0 The overall number of incidents 100 continues to drop in Paktika trict appeared to be a priority tar- Province, and many of the AOG- get for AOG as the DAC wit- 50 initiated incidents during the re- nessed a BBIED attack which port period were ineffective mor- took the lives of another three 0 tar attacks on the province’s ANA and well as injuring four DACs. others. PAKTIKA AOG PAKTIKA Crime Indirect attacks occurred on the IEDs were a relatively minor fac- DACs of Ziruk, Mata Khan, Yo- tor during the report period, and suf Khel, and Yahya Khel, all hav- there were only seven incidents skills or manpower to wage an effective IED ing little or no effect. Direct at- involving the discovery / disposal campaign. tacks, however, accounted for the of such devices, mostly located IMF/ANSF operations were somewhat rare, lives of four ANSF over the somewhere close to a DAC. with only four reported in total, taking place course of eight separate SAF at- There were no successful detona- near the DACs of Gomal, Barmal and Urgun tacks on the DACs mentioned tions of IEDs by AOG over the and resulting in a small quantity of weapons above, as well as those of Urgun last two weeks, reinforcing the and ammunition seized. and Barmal Districts. Barmal Dis- apparent lack of sophisticated

NOTICE: Your input is invaluable for the production of this report. While we appreciate information on incidents, we also need general information on the security situation and context in your area. So please remember to call or email us regularly. Contact details of ANSO staff are provided on the last page.

ANSO: “..by NGOs for NGOs..” THE AFGHANISTAN NGO SAFETY OFFICE - CONTACTS AND INFORMATION

CONTACT ANSO MISSING This report ANSO could not provide analysis for the prov- CENTRAL REGION OFFICE (KABUL) inces of: ANSO is hosted by Tomas Muzik - [email protected] - 0799 323 792 Deutsche Welthungerhilfe Mukhtar - [email protected] - 0799 322 116  Bamiyan NORTH REGION OFFICE (MAZAR)  Daykondi Vacant - [email protected] - 0799 404 617  Samangan To Register with ANSO Firoz - [email protected] - 0799 408 252  Badakshan contact:

[email protected] EAST REGION OFFICE (JALALABAD) Rory Brown - [email protected] - 0799 248 362 Shohar - [email protected] - 0798 778 014 This is because we ANSO is managed by an NGO do not know enough Board. If you have any SOUTH REGION OFFICE (KANDAHAR) about the area to feedback, good or bad, let Peter Dimitroff - [email protected] 0796 688 416 comment on the sig- them know on: Noori - [email protected] - 0700 492 550 nificance of the inci- [email protected] dents occurring there. ANSO ACRONYMS WEST REGION OFFICE (HERAT) Rachel Adam - [email protected] - 0799 322 192 ACG-Armed Criminal Group / Sayed Karim- [email protected] - 0707 474 135 If you can help us AEF-Afghan Eradication Forces understand the prov- / ANA-Afghan National Army / ANBP-Afghan National Border COUNTRY MANAGEMENT (KABUL) ince better, please Police / ANP-Afghan National Nic Lee - [email protected] - 0799 325 349 contact us. Police / AOG-Armed Opposition Group / APPF-Afghan Public Nathan Ronaldson - [email protected] - 0797 165 017 Protection Forces (local depu- Patrick Malach - [email protected] - 0793 230 118 tised militias) / DC-District Centre / GOA-Government of Afghanistan / IDF-Indirect Fire (ex: mortars) / IED-Improvised Explosive Device / IMF- International Military Forces / NDS-National Directorate of Security (Intelligence) / PRP- Previous Reporting Period / FEEDBACK ON ANSO SERVICES: Advisory Board email address PSC-Private Security Company / RPG-Rocket Propelled Gre- nade / SAF-Small Arms Fire / ANSO welcomes your feedback. To provide confidential feedback, please email the VBIED-Vehicle Borne Impro- vised Explosive Device / PDO- ANSO Advisory Board at [email protected]. Private Development Organisa- tion / ALP-Afghan Local Police / LDI-Local Defence Initiative / IEA-Islamic Emirate of Afghani- stan (Taliban) / PSG-Provincial Shadow Governor (IEA) / DSG- District Shadow Governor (IEA)