1-15 June 2011

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

1-15 June 2011 The Afghanistan NGO Safety Office Issue: 75 1-15 June 2011 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 While May concluded with component of the inclusive of this period) the 9 Northern Region the reporting of opposition campaign plan IMF and ANA are Western Region 17 extraordinary levels of (as indicated by the graphs averaging 30% of the last conflict related activity on p. 10) and serve as one years total, though the Eastern Region 20 (surpassing the previous peak of the key tactics driving ANP remain the most Southern Region 25 recorded in August 2010), present growth. Suicide affected at 45%. the opening period for June attack levels remain ANSO Info Page 29 Along with the indicates a continuation of relatively steady, and the considerable conflict this momentum, reporting use of indirect fire methods volumes reported, the 13 similarly high levels of continue to be a regular NGO direct incidents YOU NEED TO KNOW incidents (see p. 7). This feature of the conflict recorded this period well periods figures also reveal landscape. exceed all monthly volumes • Continued overall high that despite security force From a strategic previously recorded this levels of incidents efforts at interdiction and perspective, there is little year (see graph p. 12) disruption of AOG networks • Significant number of significant month to month While the incidents were NGO incidents this period (both manpower and supply change in the geographic varied, both in regards to related) through the winter distribution of incidents, attributing actor and type, • Numerous NGO and into early 2011, armed though periodic ‘hills and there were elements that casualties also reported opposition elements are far valleys’ do occur in various reflect the broader trends this period from being a spent force, and areas, the result of both in 2011. The majority of in fact appear more than intentional planning and incidents continue to occur capable of continuing their forced circumstance on in the North (Balkh & efforts unabated. Early June both sides. This period Badakhshan) and East generally serves as a reliable Logar, Paktya and Herat (Nangarhar & Kunar) while ANSO is supported by indicator for pending levels marked significant monthly Ghor alone accounts for of violence and marks a stage volume increases for AOG 67% of the total in the WR in the steady upwards trend attributed events, and (see graph p. 27). The leading into the later summer following periodic demining sector continues months, though this may be fluctuations in an otherwise to be consistently affected, affected by the early onset of meteoric rise, AOG activity accounting for 30% of the Ramadan this year (August). levels in Helmand are once NGO incidents reported As the conflict has never again on the upswing. this period. While there been defined by large scale, While this period accounted were numerous NGO staff conclusive engagements, the for 6 IMF, 22 ANA, and casualties this period, the state of the conflict is 110 ANP killed in action, overall rate remains well generally viewed through the and despite the overall below those recorded in volumes related to the increase in incident 2010. Including this standard tactics utilised by volumes, casualty rates for period, there have been 11 the parties to the conflict. security forces (with the fatalities and 14 wounded Comparative graphs by tactic exception of the ANP) are (all national staff) thus far indicate that close range, trending below those noted in comparison to the 37 direct attacks (i.e. SAF & last year. At this time (and fatalities and 45 wounded RPG) remain a key in total last year. THE ANSO REPORT Page 2 C ENTRAL REGION NGO Incidents KABUL Year to Date 3 KABUL 50 This Report Period 0 Besides the usual criminality, a 40 part of urban life which typically Police operations were visible 30 affects the residential mainly in parts of Paghman 20 (Arghandi, Khushkaki, neighborhoods (in this cycle 10 Parmankhel, Qalai Baki), Deh mainly Karte Naw & the 0 Company Area), Kabul City Sabz (Tarakhel, Bakhtiaran, Khoja remained calm. The majority of Gar, Qalai Zarin) and Bagrami significant events were authored (Deh Yaqub, Yakhdara, KABUL AOG KABUL Crime by ANSF and pertained to the on- Karizakhunda). While the going Operation Omeid 8, a searches in Paghman and Deh Sabz resulted in a limited number attacks since 2006, out of which 10 were stand- concerted ANSF-IMF effort off IEDs or indirect fire). aimed at disrupting AOG of arrests and cache discoveries, networks in the rural districts the operation in Yakhdara yielded The current operations have so far around Kabul. Of note, the a significant seizure of home- circumvented Surobi, which nevertheless operation has been linked up to made explosives (over 800 kg) and remains the main hub for direct AOG similar efforts in the northern blasting caps (300) as well as the escalations, typically SAF and RPG strikes districts of Logar, emphasizing the arrest of two AOG members against IMF-contracted fuel tankers, seconded strategic importance of the running the store. The strategic by ambushes against the security forces. The southern access to Kabul City via location of Bagrami, positioned data related to such attacks on the Deh Sabz, Paktya & Logar and Wardak. along the Jalalabad Road and Surobi and Qarghayi sections of the Highway While police operations within an easily accessible distance this year suggest that the attacks remain well- maintained a constant ratio of from major residential areas in PD targeted (collateral casualties are rare), with an 80% of all incidents recorded, 8 and 7, dictates that the district average staging time of 1045hrs, though the AOG activity remained limited to continues to be explored as a most significant portion of attacks (45%) are IED detonations in Chahar Asyab staging area for sporadic AOG staged before 0930 hrs. The Tangi Abreshum & Musayi, and a typical SAF strikes in Kabul City though direct – Surkhakan section appears as the area of attack against an IMF-contracted AOG-initiated escalations in this choice, while the frequency rarely exceeds 1 fuel tanker in Tangi Abreshum of part of the province have been attack a week. Surobi. minimal (11 AOG-authored GRAPH INFORMATION: The graphs provided in this report are accurate as of the 15th of June 2011. In addition, the NGO Incidents/Year to Date figures include Criminal and AOG attributed events only. Incidents attributed to other actors (i.e. ANSF) are not captured in this data. THE ANSO REPORT Page 3 NGO Incidents LOGAR Year to Date 4 LOGAR This Report Period 2 50 The conflict volumes doubled 40 victim did not have any during this cycle, with the June 30 record of AOG-initiated attacks outstanding feuds in the area. 20 already surpassing the volumes However, the victim’s accumulated during four weeks in employment was commonly 10 May. Attesting to this uptick, shared knowledge, and likely the 0 AOG also authored two incidents factor which called the AOG which affected two demining attention. The exemplary killing NGOs. In a mere replication of would indicate that the AOG LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime associated the employee either the AOG raid on a demining ANP members and the GOA staff were found camp in Zarghun Shahr on 28 with a security force, or with ‘spying’ for the government, an executed in the area the next day. Moreover, May (which resulted in the seizure this section of the highway, in particular of VHF equipment from the accusation often used to legitimize the killings for the mere sake of Niyazi, Qalai Ali Khan and Qalai Juma Khan, deminers, although the AOG did was the scene of AOG ambushes on security not seem to reject the NGO putting pressure on the communities. forces and checkpoints, recorded less typically programming and did not harm also across the district border in Muhammad any staff), the same local NGO Indeed, AOG intimidation efforts Agha. 6 IEDs detonated (mainly against was targeted in its main base in continued unabated in other areas security targets) and an additional four devices the evening of 9 June in Dadokhel of the province, getting ever were neutralized by the security forces, further (Puli Alam). This time, a group of closer to the strategic illustrating the evident AOG focus on at least eight gunmen handcuffed communications and the main challenging the IMF-ANSF control of the the NGO guards, and took away population centers, including the main road network. Besides the entry avenues an assortment of materiel capital. The northern section of from the East, the Baraki Barak – Saydabad including a number of VHF the highway in Puli Alam also link seems to be of pivotal importance for handsets, GPS locators, witnessed several cases of illegal AOG coordination in the region, including the binoculars and digital cameras. checkpoints and abductions. It is reliance of Baraki Barak IEA networks on The AOG team leader reportedly assumed that AOG intentionally logistical chains established along the highway incited the NGO staff to take plant IEDs on the highway, in Wardak. distance from GOA and anticipating their discoveries and ‘foreigners-sponsored’ initiatives, the consequent road closures by Further, the distribution of AOG-incidents yet his group left the camp the security forces, while the overlapped with the target areas of numerous without expressing any other AOG units remain deployed in ANSF-IMF operations, staged in Baraki Barak concerns, leaving all staff the villages adjacent to the main & Charkh, as well as in Muhammad Agha and unharmed. The deed was road in order to scrutinize the Azra.
Recommended publications
  • Progress in Afghanistan Bucharest Summit2-4 April 2008 Progress in Afghanistan
    © MOD NL © MOD Canada © MOD Canada Progress in Afghanistan Progress in Bucharest Summit 2-4 April 2008 Bucharest Summit2-4 Progress in Afghanistan Contents page 1. Foreword by Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, ..........................1 Jean-François Bureau, and NATO Spokesman, James Appathurai 2. Executive summary .........................................................................................................................................2 3. Security ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 • IED attacks and Counter-IED efforts 4 • Musa Qala 5 • Operations Medusa successes - Highlights Panjwayi and Zhari 6 • Afghan National Army 8 • Afghan National Police 10 • ISAF growth 10 4. Reconstruction and Development ............................................................................................... 12 • Snapshots of PRT activities 14 • Afghanistan’s aviation sector: taking off 16 • NATO-Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects 17 • ISAF Post-Operations Humanitarian Relief Fund 18 • Humanitarian Assistance - Winterisation 18 5. Governance ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 • Counter-Narcotics 20 © MOD Canada Foreword The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission is approaching five years of operations in Afghanistan. This report is a
    [Show full text]
  • CB Meeting PAK/AFG
    Polio Eradication Initiative Afghanistan Current Situation of Polio Eradication in Afghanistan Independent Monitoring Board Meeting 29-30 April 2015,Abu Dhabi AFP cases Classification, Afghanistan Year 2013 2014 2015 Reported AFP 1897 2,421 867 cases Confirmed 14 28 1 Compatible 4 6 0 VDPV2 3 0 0 Discarded 1876 2,387 717 Pending 0 0 *149 Total of 2,421 AFP cases reported in 2014 and 28 among them were confirmed Polio while 6 labelled* 123as Adequatecompatible AFP cases Poliopending lab results 26 Inadequate AFP cases pending ERC 21There Apr 2015 is one Polio case reported in 2015 as of 21 April 2015. Region wise Wild Poliovirus Cases 2013-2014-2015, Afghanistan Confirmed cases Region 2013 2014 2015 Central 1 0 0 East 12 6 0 2013 South east 0 4 0 Districts= 10 WPV=14 South 1 17 1 North 0 0 0 Northeast 0 0 0 West 0 1 0 Polio cases increased by 100% in 2014 Country 14 28 1 compared to 2013. Infected districts increased 2014 District= 19 from 10 to 19 in 2014. WPV=28 28 There30 is a case surge in Southern Region while the 25Eastern Region halved the number of cases20 in comparison14 to 2013 Most15 of the infected districts were in South, East10 and South East region in 2014. No of AFP cases AFP of No 1 2015 5 Helmand province reported a case in 2015 District= 01 WPV=01 after0 a period of almost two months indicates 13 14 15 Year 21continuation Apr 2015 of low level circulation. Non Infected Districts Infected Districts Characteristics of polio cases 2014, Afghanistan • All the cases are of WPV1 type, 17/28 (60%) cases are reported from Southern region( Kandahar-13, Helmand-02, and 1 each from Uruzgan and Zabul Province).
    [Show full text]
  • AFGHANISTAN Weekly Humanitarian Update (12 – 18 July 2021)
    AFGHANISTAN Weekly Humanitarian Update (12 – 18 July 2021) KEY FIGURES IDPs IN 2021 (AS OF 18 JULY) 294,703 People displaced by conflict (verified) 152,387 Received assistance (including 2020 caseload) NATURAL DISASTERS IN 2021 (AS OF 11 JULY) 24,073 Number of people affected by natural disasters Conflict incident RETURNEES IN 2021 Internal displacement (AS OF 18 JULY) 621,856 Disruption of services Returnees from Iran 7,251 Returnees from Pakistan 45 South: Fighting continues including near border Returnees from other Kandahar and Hilmand province witnessed a significant spike in conflict during countries the reporting period. A Non-State Armed Group (NSAG) reportedly continued to HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE apply pressure on District Administrative Centres (DACs) and provincial capitals PLAN (HRP) REQUIREMENTS & to expand areas under their control while Afghan National Security Forces FUNDING (ANSF) conducted clearing operations supported by airstrikes. Ongoing conflict reportedly led to the displacement of civilians with increased fighting resulting in 1.28B civilian casualties in Dand and Zheray districts in Kandahar province and Requirements (US$) – HRP Lashkargah city in Hilmand province. 2021 The intermittent closure of roads to/from districts and provinces, particularly in 479.3M Hilmand and Kandahar provinces, hindered civilian movements and 37% funded (US$) in 2021 transportation of food items and humanitarian/medical supplies. Intermittent AFGHANISTAN HUMANITARIAN outages of mobile service continued. On 14 July, an NSAG reportedly took FUND (AHF) 2021 control of posts and bases around the Spin Boldak DAC and Wesh crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Closure of the border could affect trade and 43.61M have adverse implications on local communities and the region.
    [Show full text]
  • Making Sense of Daesh in Afghanistan: a Social Movement Perspective
    \ WORKING PAPER 6\ 2017 Making sense of Daesh in Afghanistan: A social movement perspective Katja Mielke \ BICC Nick Miszak \ TLO Joint publication by \ WORKING PAPER 6 \ 2017 MAKING SENSE OF DAESH IN AFGHANISTAN: A SOCIAL MOVEMENT PERSPECTIVE \ K. MIELKE & N. MISZAK SUMMARY So-called Islamic State (IS or Daesh) in Iraq and Syria is widely interpreted as a terrorist phenomenon. The proclamation in late January 2015 of a Wilayat Kho- rasan, which includes Afghanistan and Pakistan, as an IS branch is commonly interpreted as a manifestation of Daesh's global ambition to erect an Islamic caliphate. Its expansion implies hierarchical order, command structures and financial flows as well as a transnational mobility of fighters, arms and recruits between Syria and Iraq, on the one hand, and Afghanistan–Pakistan, on the other. In this Working Paper, we take a (new) social movement perspective to investigate the processes and underlying dynamics of Daesh’s emergence in different parts of the country. By employing social movement concepts, such as opportunity structures, coalition-building, resource mobilization and framing, we disentangle the different types of resource mobilization and long-term conflicts that have merged into the phenomenon of Daesh in Afghanistan. In dialogue with other approaches to terrorism studies as well as peace, civil war and security studies, our analysis focuses on relations and interactions among various actors in the Afghan-Pakistan region and their translocal networks. The insight builds on a ten-month fieldwork-based research project conducted in four regions—east, west, north-east and north Afghanistan—during 2016. We find that Daesh in Afghanistan is a context-specific phenomenon that manifests differently in the various regions across the country and is embedded in a long- term transformation of the religious, cultural and political landscape in the cross-border region of Afghanistan–Pakistan.
    [Show full text]
  • Child Friendly School Baseline Survey
    BASELINE SURVEY OF CHILD-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS IN TEN PROVINCES OF AFGHANISTAN REPORT submitted to UNICEF Afghanistan 8 March 2014 Society for Sustainable Development of Afghanistan House No. 2, Street No. 1, Karti Mamorin, Kabul, Afghanistan +93 9470008400 [email protected] CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 STUDY MODIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................... 2 1.3 STUDY DETAILS ...................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 REPORT STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................... 6 2. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY ........................................................................ 7 2.1 APPROACH .......................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 8 3. TRAINING OF FIELD STAFF ..................................................................................... 14 3.1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Contamination Status of Districts in Afghanistan
    C O N T A M I N A T I O N S T A T U S O F D I S T R I C T S I N A F G H A N I S T A N ? ? ? ? ? ? ? As of 31st March 2019 ? ? ? ? ? T A J I K I S T A N ? ? ? ? ? ? ? U Z B E K I S T A N ? Shaki Darwazbala Darwaz ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? K? uf Ab N Khwahan A Raghistan Shighnan ? T Darqad Yawan ? Yangi Shahri Qala Kohistan ? S ? Buzurg ? Khwaja Chah Ab Bahawuddin Kham Shortepa Yaftal Sufla Wakhan I Qarqin ? Dashti ? ? Arghanj ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Ab ? ? ? Qala ? ? ? ? ? Khani ? ? Fayzabad Khaw ? Imam Sahib ? ? ? N Mangajek Kaldar ? ? Chahar !. ? ? ? ? ? Shahada ? ? ? ? ? ? Khwaja Du Koh ? ? Dawlatabad Argo Faizabad ? Mardyan Dashte ? ? ? Bagh ? ? ? ? ? ? ? C H I N A Qurghan ? Takhar E ? Khwaja ? ? Baharak ? Rustaq ? Archi ? ? ? Hazar ? ? Badakhs han Nahri ? Aqcha Ghar ? Andkhoy ? Kunduz ? ? Sumu? ch Khash ? ? Shahi ? ? ? ? ? Balkh ? Baharak M ? Jawzjan Qalay-I- Zal ? ? Darayim Chahar Khulm Is hkashiem ? ? ? ? Kunduz ? Kalfagan Qaramqol Khaniqa ? ? ? ? ? ? Bolak ? Kishim ? Warduj ? Jurm ? ? ? !. ? Mazar-e Sharif ? !. ? ? ? ? ? ? K ? ? ? ? ? ? Taloqa? n ? ? Taluqan She be rg han ? !. ? ? ? ? ? ? Tashkan ? ? ? ? !. ? ? ? ? ? ? Dihdadi ? ? ? Marmul ? ? ? Chahar Dara ? ? ? Fayzabad ? ? Kunduz ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? R ? Bangi Khanabad ? ? Tagab Namak ? Aliabad ? Chimtal ? Dawlatabad ? ? (Kishmi Feroz ? Hazrati ? ? Chal Shibirghan ? ? Ab ? Farkhar Yamgan ? ? ? ? ? U Sari Pul Balkh Nakhchir Su? ltan Bala) Zebak ? ? Chahar ? (Girwan) ? Baghlani ? Ishkamish ? ? ? ? ? ? Kint ? ? ? ? ? ? Sholgara ? ? ? ? ?
    [Show full text]
  • Watershed Atlas Part IV
    PART IV 99 DESCRIPTION PART IV OF WATERSHEDS I. MAP AND STATISTICS BY WATERSHED II. AMU DARYA RIVER BASIN III. NORTHERN RIVER BASIN IV. HARIROD-MURGHAB RIVER BASIN V. HILMAND RIVER BASIN VI. KABUL (INDUS) RIVER BASIN VII. NON-DRAINAGE AREAS PICTURE 84 Aerial view of Panjshir Valley in Spring 2003. Parwan, 25 March 2003 100 I. MAP AND STATISTICS BY WATERSHED Part IV of the Watershed Atlas describes the 41 watersheds Graphs 21-32 illustrate the main characteristics on area, popu- defined in Afghanistan, which includes five non-drainage areas lation and landcover of each watershed. Graph 21 shows that (Map 10 and 11). For each watershed, statistics on landcover the Upper Hilmand is the largest watershed in Afghanistan, are presented. These statistics were calculated based on the covering 46,882 sq. km, while the smallest watershed is the FAO 1990/93 landcover maps (Shapefiles), using Arc-View 3.2 Dasht-i Nawur, which covers 1,618 sq. km. Graph 22 shows that software. Graphs on monthly average river discharge curve the largest number of settlements is found in the Upper (long-term average and 1978) are also presented. The data Hilmand watershed. However, Graph 23 shows that the largest source for the hydrological graph is the Hydrological Year Books number of people is found in the Kabul, Sardih wa Ghazni, of the Government of Afghanistan – Ministry of Irrigation, Ghorband wa Panjshir (Shomali plain) and Balkhab watersheds. Water Resources and Environment (MIWRE). The data have Graph 24 shows that the highest population density by far is in been entered by Asian Development Bank and kindly made Kabul watershed, with 276 inhabitants/sq.
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf | 364.18 Kb
    AFGHANISTAN Weekly Humanitarian Update (28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021) KEY FIGURES IDPs IN 2020 (AS OF 3 JANUARY) 344,750 People displaced by conflict 237,670 Received assistance NATURAL DISASTERS IN 2020 (AS OF 3 JANUARY) 104,470 Number of people affected by natural disasters UNDOCUMENTED RETURNEES Conflict incident IN 2020 (AS OF 19 DECEMBER) Internal displacement 832,630 Returnees from Iran Disruption of services 7,590 Returnees from Pakistan 3,260 Returnees from other South: 8,898 people recommended to receive countries HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE humanitarian assistance PLAN (HRP) REQUIREMENTS & Fighting between Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and a non-state armed FUNDING group (NSAG) continued in Hilmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul provinces. 1.13B Sporadic armed clashes continued in Shah Joi, Tarnak Wa Jaldak, Mizan and Requirements (US$) – HRP Arghandab districts in Zabul province. 2020 In Hilmand province, fighting between the ANSF and an NSAG was reported in 554.4M Nahr-e-Saraj, Lashkargah, Nad-e-Ali and Nawa-e-Barakzaiy districts. Airstrikes 49% funded (US$) in 2020 were also reported in Nawa-e-Barakzaiy and Nahr-e-Saraj and clearing operations of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the same districts are reportedly AFGHANISTAN ongoing. HUMANITARIAN FUND (AHF) 2021 In Kandahar province, the security situation remained volatile mainly in Zheray, Panjwayi, Arghandab, Shah Wali Kot, Arghestan and Shorabak districts. Several 0M roadside IEDs were reportedly discovered and diffused in the Zala Khan area, Contributions (US$) Panjwayi district. The overall presence of IEDs continued to hinder civilian movements. 17.50M In Uruzgan province, the security situation deteriorated in Gizab district with Pledges (US$) ongoing clashes between an NSAG and ANSF.
    [Show full text]
  • “Poppy Free” Provinces: a Measure Or a Target?
    Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit Case Study Series WATER MANAGEMENT, LIVESTOCK AND THE OPIUM ECONOMY “Poppy Free” Provinces: A Measure or a Target? This report is one of seven multi-site case studies undertaken during the second stage of AREU’s three-year study “Applied Thematic Research into Water Management, Livestock and the Opium Economy” (WOL). David Mansfield Funding for this research was provided by the European Commission. May 2009 Editor: Emily Winterbotham Layout: AREU Publications Team © 2009 Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the publisher, the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit. Permission can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or by calling (+93)(0)799 608 548. “Poppy Free” Provinces: A Measure or a Target? About the Author David Mansfield is a specialist on development in drugs-producing environments. He has spent 17 years working in coca- and opium-producing countries, with over ten years experience conducting research into the role of opium in rural livelihood strategies in Afghanistan. About the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit The Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU) is an independent research organisation based in Kabul. AREU’s mission is to conduct high-quality research that informs and influences policy and practice. AREU also actively promotes a culture of research and learning by strengthening analytical capacity in Afghanistan and facilitating reflection and debate. Fundamental to AREU’s vision is that its work should improve Afghan lives.
    [Show full text]
  • The Politics of Disarmament and Rearmament in Afghanistan
    [PEACEW RKS [ THE POLITICS OF DISARMAMENT AND REARMAMENT IN AFGHANISTAN Deedee Derksen ABOUT THE REPORT This report examines why internationally funded programs to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate militias since 2001 have not made Afghanistan more secure and why its society has instead become more militarized. Supported by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) as part of its broader program of study on the intersection of political, economic, and conflict dynamics in Afghanistan, the report is based on some 250 interviews with Afghan and Western officials, tribal leaders, villagers, Afghan National Security Force and militia commanders, and insurgent commanders and fighters, conducted primarily between 2011 and 2014. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Deedee Derksen has conducted research into Afghan militias since 2006. A former correspondent for the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, she has since 2011 pursued a PhD on the politics of disarmament and rearmament of militias at the War Studies Department of King’s College London. She is grateful to Patricia Gossman, Anatol Lieven, Mike Martin, Joanna Nathan, Scott Smith, and several anonymous reviewers for their comments and to everyone who agreed to be interviewed or helped in other ways. Cover photo: Former Taliban fighters line up to handover their rifles to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan during a reintegration ceremony at the pro- vincial governor’s compound. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j. g. Joe Painter/RELEASED). Defense video and imagery dis- tribution system. The views expressed in this report are those of the author alone. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Institute of Peace.
    [Show full text]
  • 16 September 2010
    SIOC – Afghanistan: UNITED NATIONS CONFIDENTIAL UN Department of Safety and Security, Afghanistan Security Situation Report, Week 37, 10 - 16 September 2010 JOINT WEEKLY SECURITY ANALYSIS The week recorded a further decrease in the overall number of incidents with only the WR recording an increase, while the rest of the regions recording decreased or relatively consistent incident levels. This overall decrease is assessed to be a result of Eid celebrations, which continued for the first three days of the week, as well as AGE’s focus mainly on the elections and related activities and preparation for the offensive on the Election Day. This was manifested in the dramatic increase recorded in the election- related incidents. Lack of visibility in the SR, particularly in Hilmand is another factor contributing to the low numbers recorded in the region. Kunduz remained volatile in the NER, followed by Badakhshan mainly due to increased demonstrations. In the NR violence, mainly connected to the elections, was spread in most of the provinces. In the WR, Farah was the center of focus with increased IED incidents and Kandahar in the CR with a focus of AGE activity in Kandahar City. Uruzgan Province remained susceptible to AGE activity. The decrease in the SER was visible in the whole regions except for Paktika as a result of increasing attacks against the newly deployed surge troops. Kunar Province was the center of AGE activity with over 80% of all the incidents in the region. In the CR, Logar and Wardak remained the most active districts and together accounted for 70% of all the incidents.
    [Show full text]
  • AFGHANISTAN South
    AFGHANISTAN Weekly Humanitarian Update (25 – 31 January 2021) KEY FIGURES IDPs IN 2021 (AS OF 31 JANUARY) 3,430 People displaced by conflict (verified) 35,610 Received assistance (including 2020 caseload) NATURAL DISASTERS IN 2020 (AS OF 31 JANUARY) 104,470 Number of people affected by natural disasters Conflict incident UNDOCUMENTED RETURNEES Internal displacement IN 2021 (AS OF 21 JANUARY) 36,496 Disruption of services Returnees from Iran 367 Returnees from Pakistan 0 South: Hundreds of people displaced by ongoing Returnees from other countries fighting in Kandahar province HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE Fighting between Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and a non-state armed PLAN (HRP) REQUIREMENTS & group (NSAG) continued in Hilmand, Kandahar and Uruzgan provinces. FUNDING In Kandahar, fighting continued mainly in Arghandab, Zheray and Panjwayi 1.28B districts. Ongoing fighting displaced hundreds of people in Kandahar province, but Requirements (US$) – HRP the exact number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is yet to be confirmed. 2021 Humanitarian actors with coordination of provincial authorities are assessing the needs of IDPs and will provide them with immediate assistance. Farmers and 37.8M agricultural activities continued to be affected by ongoing fighting. All movements 3% funded (US$) in 2021 on the main highway-1 connecting Hilmand to Kandahar provinces reportedly AFGHANISTAN resumed, however improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the highway HUMANITARIAN FUND (AHF) continue to pose a threat. 2021 In Uruzgan province, clashes between ANSF and an NSAG continued along with the threat of IED attacks in Dehrawud, Gizab and Tirinkot districts. Two civilians 5.72M were reportedly killed and eight others wounded by an IED detonation in Tirinkot Contributions (US$) district.
    [Show full text]