This Report Is Provided by the Afghanistan NGO Safety Office for the Sole Benefit of the NGO Community Operating in Afghanistan
This report is provided by the Afghanistan NGO Safety Office for the sole benefit of the NGO community operating in Afghanistan. The information provided represents only the most recently available data and therefore situations are subject to change. This report is provided free of charge and therefore ANSO accepts no liability for the results of any activity conducted or omitted on the basis of this report.
ANSO WEEKLY SECURITY REPORT
Report Number: 28 - 07
Reporting Period: 05th June – 11th of July 2007
CENTRAL REGION
Regional Analysis
One NGO related incident was recorded this reporting period.
In the last reporting period a journalist from an INGO was illegally detained by NDS however was released without been charged. In Wardak, a national NGO staff member was abducted on the 3rd of July however was released unharmed on the 5th of July (details in provincial advisory).
It has been noted that incidents directly involving NGOs has been increasing. Previous incidents involving NGOs seemed to be criminally related however NGOs are becoming more susceptible to AOG related incidents. In addition, AOG activity in the Province of Kapisa, Wardak and Logar seem to be indirectly affecting NGOs as humanitarian space is reduced as result of unsafe environments. AOG activity in the Central Region seems to be ‘closing in’ on Kabul and it is assessed that NGOs in Kabul Province may experience a rise in intimidation. With the AOG activity concentrated in the provinces of Logar, Wardak and Kapisa, hazardous environments are preventing NGOs of implementing programs.
Key concern for the Central Region continues to be:
• Suicide bombings • Roadside IEDs • Threat of abduction for ransom purposes • Criminal activities in the form of armed robbery and theft
Provincial Advisory and Incidents
1. Kabul City
No NGO related incidents were recorded this reporting period.
Once again a VBIED attack has highlighted this week’s incidents. A black corolla rigged with explosives targeted a two vehicle ISAF convoy resulting in the injury of three soldiers. As previously reported, an increase in suicide and IED attacks has been noted on alternate routes to Jalalabad Road but have always targeted high profile vehicles. The last suicide attack on Jalalabad Road was on the 16th of June and since then there have been 2 suicide attacks and 2 IED attacks reported on alternate routes. (This total does not include unconfirmed IED attacks against ISAF and does not include IED discoveries).
A night letter was received by an INGO national staff member. It specified details of his involvement with an NGO program in a Pashtun dominated province. This particular member lives in Kabul however works in another province all together. This is the second night letter received by an INGO this year. It is unclear weather this letter is AOG related or weather criminals are adopting similar Taliban methods in drafting this particular threat.
Key concerns in the province:
• Heightened threat of suicide attacks within Kabul city limits • Increase use of RCIED on primary and secondary roads • Civilian collateral damage as result suicide bombings
Criminal Related: July/04/na/District 6: Three unknown armed men attacked a local man. NFI
Criminal Related: July/04/na/District 16, Deh Khodaydad Area: An unidentified man armed with a pistol shot and seriously wounded two locals who were attending evening prayers at a Mosque.
Arrest: July/04/na/District 8, Masjidi Itefaq Area: Police arrested a local man in the possession of a hand gun and a VHF radio.
Other: July/05/na/Kabul city, Dashte Chamtala Area: Police discovered an underground prison containing hundreds of bodies. According to reports, the prison was a former military barracks that dated back from the Soviet occupation.
VBIED: July/06/1215/District 9, Khwaja Zanboor-e- Wali Area: A black Toyota corolla (registration Plate no. 96425) rigged as a VBIED targeted an ISAF patrol convoy. As a result three ISAF soldiers and two by – standers have been seriously wounded in the explosion.
Indirect Attack: July/07/2310 / District 10, Qalai Wakil Area: Two BM12 rockets was fired from north east side of Kabul province and impacted in a welding shop. Structure of shop has damaged, however no casualties were reported.
Criminal Related: July/07/Night time/District 8, Dubai Plaza: Armed robbers broke into the residence of a local businessman and stole cash and valuables.
IED Recovery: July/08/na/District 5, Qalai Kashef Area: District police discovered two mortar shells in an abandoned house. NFI
Criminal Related: July/08/na/District 13, Dashti Barchi Area:. Armed robbers broke into the residence of a local businessman and stole cash and valuables.
Explosion: July/08/na/District 2, Johe Shire Area: A gas cylinder exploded inside at a local residence. NFI
Criminal Related: July/09/Evening time/District 1, Darwazai Lowari Area: Unidentified armed men in a two vehicle convoy opened fire on a vehicle transporting the head of the Criminal Investigation Branch (General Ali Shah Paktiwal) NFI.
Other: July/09/Moring time/District 12, Prozha Ahmad Shah Mina Area: Approximately 100 residence staged a peaceful demonstration against the Ministry of Power and Electricity demanding power to their area.
Warning: July/11/Night Time/Kabul City: A warning letter displaying the logo of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan was received by a national staff member of an INGO. The letter specified that he should stop working for the NGO. The staff member works in a Pashtun Province but received the letter at his home in Kabul. The letter warned that he has 15 days to cease work or he would b responsible for the death of his and his family’s death.
2. Kabul Province
No NGO related incidents were recorded this reporting period.
The security situation in the Kabul Province has been assessed as unstable. Incidents this week indicate that the Kabul Province continues to be affected by AOGs. At this stage there are no direct threats to NGOs however NGOs should still remain mindful that Kabul province is considered as relatively risky for NGO operations.
Key concerns in the province:
• The increase of road side IEDs across the province • Encroachment of AOGs in Surobi, Paghman, Musayi and Charikar
Other: July/05/na/Deh Sabz District: Three ANA soldiers were killed, and seven others wounded when a hand grenade accidentally detonated during army training.
Arrest: July/07/na/Paghman District: Three suspects who were accused of having involvement in the abduction of a female teenager were apprehended by police.
Arrest: July/07/na/Qarabagh District: Police arrested a local individual accused of killing his mother.
IED Detonation: July/09/na/Surobi District, Uzbin Valley, Qasa Jan Area: An ISAF convoy was struck with a road side IED.NFI
Indirect Attack: July/10/0115/Paghaman District, near District Police HQ: Two BM12 rockets were fired from Bashahi hill top area. One rocket impacted inside a private residence and another impacted approximately 500meter away from District HQ.
Indirect Attack: July/11/2110/Surobi district, Faqir Abad Area: Three mortar shells launched from the east side of Uzbin District impacted near the District Administration Office building. NFI.
3. Wardak Province
No NGO related incidents were recorded during this reporting period.
The security situation in the district remains tense and unstable for NGO operation across the province. Of particular concern is the deterioration of the once peaceful district of Bisood. Locals claim that armed Koochis believed to be allied with Taliban have been forcing people from their villages as result of land dispute. Media reports claim that approximately 4000 people have fled villages as result of looting and arson attacks. Previously disarmed Hazaras feel insecure in their villages and are now seeking refuge in various areas of Hazarajat. Koochis have been reported to be armed with mortars and RPGs and are reported to be surveying roads leading into the district. It is strongly advised that NGO traveling to Bamyan avoid using Jalriz Road. Travel through Parwan is advisable.
Key concerns in the province:
• Infiltration of AOGs alleging to disturb government and NGO employees • The presence of large numbers of AOGs across the region • The increase of clashes/attacks between security forces and AOGs • Increase of refuges in Bisood as a result of land disputes
Criminal related: July/03/Night time/Chak District, Noora Kheil Village: An INGO National staff member was abducted at gunpoint whilst he was on his to his home from work. The abductee was released two days later unharmed.
AOG Activity: July/04/Night time/Narkh District, Durrani Area: A secondary school was set alight by AOGs. As result three classrooms, the principal’s office, furniture and stationery were destroyed.
AOG Activity: July/06/0500/Sur Pul, Maidan Shahr: Two fuel tankers were stopped by AOGs on the Kabul – Ghazni road. The fuel tankers were destroyed by RPG fire however the drivers were later released unharmed.
Direct Attack: July/07/Evening time/Sayabad District: Five BM12 rockets impacted nearby the District Administration building.
AOG Activity: July/07/1200/Nirkh district, Dashte Toop Area: AOGs destroyed an ISAF fuel tanker by setting it on fire.
SAF Attack: July/09/Morining time/Sayedabad District, Haft Asiab Area: AOGs attacked a police convoy with SAF on the road between Haft Asiab and Salaar. As a result one police man was killed and another wounded.
IED Detonation: July/09/Maidan Shahr District, Abrahim Kheil Village: A police vehicle was destroyed by a roadside RCIED.
IED Detonation: July/10/1000/Sayed Abad District, Sultan Kheil Area: A police patrol vehicle was targeted by an RCIED resulting in the death of 10 police officers.
AOG Activity: July/11/Night time/Sayed Abad District, Bazaar Area: A group of unidentified armed men shot and killed a local man who was accused of spying.
Criminal related: July/11/na/Sayed Abad District, Tangi Area, Sheikh Abad village: Police killed a truck driver, after he denied to pay bribe in a security check point.
No NGO related incidents were recorded during this reporting period.
Two IED related incidents were recorded this reporting period. In addition, a premature detonation took place as AOGs attempted to rig explosives to a motor cycle. These incidents are an indication that AOGs continue to focus their efforts in destabilizing what is already considered a fragile security situation. ANSO Central has received several unconfirmed reports that relationships between nationals and Taliban is beginning to strengthen. Locals are reported to be assisting AOGs in concealing their activities and financially supporting them.
With this in mind, Logar Province continues to be considered as high risk area for NGOs. ANSO Central strongly advises NGOs to modify vehicle profile and to minimize exposure in remote districts but more particularly to district centers. Information received indicates that the situation for NGOs in Logar has become critical, therefore all logos and codan antennas should be removed.
Key concern in the province:
• Prevalent road side IED threat to NGOs • Increased risk of collateral damage as fire fights intensify • Increased level of AOG activity
IED Detonation: July/06/Night time/Kharwar District, Zin Tega Area: An explosion occurred as AOGs were attempting to rig a motorcycle with explosives. As a result 7 AOG members have been killed and 6 others wounded.
SAF Attack: July/07/0100/Baraki Barak District: The District Police HQ was attacked with SAF and supported by RPG fire. A clash lasted for half an hour. As a result, the HQ building sustained minor damages.
AOG Activity: July/07/Night time/Azra District, Qasim Kheil village: AOGs opened fire on Indian/Pakistani engineers and 3 police officers. As a result two Indians and one Pakistani engineer were wounded. IED Detonation: July/07/2300/Azra District, Qasim Kheil Area: A police vehicle was struck by an RCIED. As a result the vehicle was totally destroyed, and 5 people (three police, the district head of criminal branch and a passer – by) were killed.
SAF Attack: July/08/Night time/Puli Alam District, Kolangar Area: An ISAF supply was ambushed with SAF and RPG fire on Kabul – Khost Main road. No casualties were reported, however the truck was totally destroyed.
Indirect Attack: July/09/0400/Charkh District: Four RPGs were fired towards District Administration Building. NFI
IED Detonation: July/09/Moring time/Charkh District: A yellow Toyota taxi was targeted by an RCIED. One occupant was killed and two others seriously wounded.
No NGO related incidents were recorded during this reporting period.
Bamyan continues to remain calm for NGO operations and the primary concern from an NGO perspective is criminal activity in the form of robbery and theft. NGOs are reminded to exercise caution whilst traveling on secondary roads.
Key concern in the Province:
• Criminal activity in the form of armed robbery and theft • Land disputes and violent clashes between feuding tribes • High volume of UXO left over from previous conflicts
Arrest: July/08/na/Waras District, Pajandoor Village: ANP have arrested a group of armed robbers. NFI
6. Daykondi Province
No NGO related incidents were recorded during this reporting period.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that AOGs are moving freely in the district of Gizab and have addressed Pashtun and Hazara residents to support them financially. The report further stated that AOGs have warned residents against collaboration with the Government and security forces.
NGOs traveling in Daykondi are advised to exercise extreme caution as ACGs have been known to engage in opportunistic highway robberies.
Key concerns in the Province:
• Large numbers of AOGs throughout the region • Overall lack of security presence • Continual AOG infiltration from bordering provinces of Uruzgan and Ghazni
7. Panjsher Province
No NGO related incidents were recorded during this reporting period.
The security situation in Panjsher province continues to be assessed as calm with nothing significant to report. NGO staff members intending to travel to the province are reminded that Panjsher is heavily contaminated by UXOs. NGOs are advised to travel with a local guide and to carry first aid kits as medical assistance is unavailable.
No NGO related incidents were recorded this reporting period.
The province continues to be assessed as unstable although only one incident was reported. A recent visit to the province indicates that many southern parts of the province (particularly Tagab and Nijrab) are tense and considered unsafe for NGO operation. It has been noted that national security forces remain highly exposed to AOG attacks, therefore they are unlikely to commit to improving the security situation.
Observations from Nijrab district: A female high school was recently set on fire and unidentified armed men murdered a policeman. It is unclear if the armed men were ACGs or weather they were AOGs. NGOs traveling in the area have previously reported that they were more afraid of ACGs than they were of AOGs. In saying that, it is assessed that there is links between both elements.
Only ten incidents have been reported in 2007 which consist of 2 SAF attacks, 1 arson attack on a school, 1 cache recovered, 1 arrest, 2 criminal related incidents and one ISAF operation. A total of nine incidents were recorded for 2006.
The District Governor claims that the current security situation is sound for NGO operation and further claims that there are no current threats to NGOs or governments entities. Petty crimes seem to plague the district however this is common in all districts of Kapisa. The district Governor boasts over 400 doctors and teachers in the district which focus in the education of residents on matters of health and education.
Key concerns in the province:
• Collateral damage as a result of clashes between IMFs and AOGs • Increased roadside IED threat across the region
Criminal Related: July/06/na/Tagab District: The body of a police officer was recovered by ANP. According to reports he had recently been abducted. NFI
Insufficient Data Available
Key concerns in the province:
• Theft and robbery • Road side IEDs in areas that IMF frequent
ANSO CENTRAL CONTACTS:
Regional Safety Advisor Sarah Correa Email: [email protected] Tel: +93 (0)799 323 792 Tel: +93 (0)70 216 637 Thuraya: 0088 216 430 961 75 Skype: central
Regional Safety Advisor National Counterpart Abdul Karim Email: [email protected] Tel: +93 (0)799 322 116 Tel: +93 (0)70 241 437 Thuraya: 0088 216 430 961 75
National Counterpart Assistant Zakaria Email: [email protected] Tel: +93 (0)799 323 769 Tel: +93 (0)70 294 396 Thuraya: 0088 216 430 961 75
COMMON ACRONYMS
IMF-International Military Forces / AOG-Armed Opposition Groups / GOA-Government of Afghanistan / ACG-Armed Criminal Groups / ANA-Afghan National Army / ANP-Afghan National Police / IED- Improvised Exploding Device / AEF-Afghan Eradication Forces / RPG-Rocket Propelled Grenade / VBIED-Vehicle Borne Improvised Exploding Device / PRP-Previous Reporting Period / ANBP-Afghan National Border Police.