The ANSO Report (16-31 Jan 2012)

CONFIDENTIAL— NGO use only No copy, forward or sale © INSO 2011

Issue 90 REPORT 16‐31 January 2012 Index COUNTRY SUMMARY Central Region 1-6 From a conflict perspective, this period cal structures and operant realities for the 7-11 Northern Region marked a break in the 5 year trend that not- local security apparatus. Some areas, in Western Region 12-14 ed considerable year on year growth in particular Panjshir, however observed the AOG activity levels for the month of Janu- actual wholesale physical withdrawal of Eastern Region 15-18 ary. While some years exhibited greater ISAF elements from the province while increases than others, for example there others marked the first stages of redeploy- Southern Region 19-22 was a 105% increase between 2008 and ment. These types of actions should not 23 ANSO Info Page 2009, the 5 year average has been 57% in be unexpected when viewed through the the year to year comparative attack vol- lens of ‘withdrawal’, the eventual end state umes for January. However, As visually that the transition process is leading to- HIGHLIGHTS represented in the graph on page 14, there wards, as they will likely become more was a 27% decrease this year when com- common as 2014 approaches. This is rein- Lower than average AOG pared to January 2011. This is not too sur- forced by the announcement this period of attack volume prising considering the less than average the withdrawal of French forces ahead of Above average suicide volume noted in December, though a sin- the perceived schedule; demonstrating that attack rate gle specific causative factor is unlikely. It both that this process is fluid and develop- is more probable that a variety of factors ing its own momentum as well as subject to Various areas are in play at present beyond the standard the influence of external factors (be they ‘transitioned’ this period seasonal impacts. political or strategic) beyond the state and needs of the actual conflict. NGO staff fatality in He- Despite the downturn in conventional tac- rat tics noted above, the volume of suicide The first NGO incident reported from the attacks recorded in the month of January West this period also involved the first were at their highest rate since 2010, with staff fatality this year. A female staff mem- the South continuing to bear the brunt of ber was targeted and killed by small arms ANSO is supported by these attacks. In counterpoint, Kabul has fire while en route to her workplace. How- continued a rather lengthy period of calm, ever, at present this incident is assessed as with little of note being reported from both being the result of an interpersonal issue the city and the province as a whole. In rather than related to her employment. addition, this month also noted the contin- Criminality also struck the NGO commu- uing high tempo of security force opera- nity in other ways, as seen in the attempted tions, one of the factors likely impacting use of the ‘slashed tire scheme’ in Kabul. AOG activity levels. While common enough in the capital, the The process of transition is ongoing, with targeting of a vehicle departing a bank loca- various areas identified as part of the se- tion represents a new element in this estab- cond tranche completing their official lished tactic and further reinforces the need handovers this period. As was the case in to brief staff members on the appropriate the first round, this is mostly a ceremonial ‘actions on’ when faced with such circum- event resulting in little change to the physi- stances in order to minimise asset loss.

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C ENTRAL REGION

NGO Incidents ABUL Year to Date 2 KABUL K 50 This Report Period 1 A case of irregular ANP behav- 40 iour and money extortion from The province remained devoid of 30 NGO expats at a checkpoint in AOG escalations and even 20 PD 10, Kabul City, perturbed an ANSF-IMF activity related to the 10 political conflict was low. Out of otherwise very calm period in Ka- 0 bul. The incident took place at a 32 incidents recorded this cycle, ‘Ring of Steel’ checkpoint in just 5 related to ANSF-IMF ar- Qalae Fatullah in the late evening rests of AOG suspects in Kabul KABUL AOG KABUL Crime hours on the 20th. A group of City (Share Naw in PD 1, Compa- NGO expat workers were found ny Area in PD 5, Puli Charkhi in PD 12 and Charaye Nawruz in math of Ashura in reaction to the particularly without their passports and negative public exposure it received after the stopped on the side of the road PD 16) and the final one in Pa- ghman (Chenghar). On another attack. This could reflect a motivation to in- until their driver paid a small vestigate the attack and/or to restore IEA amount of cash to the police. A occasion, the police force identi- fied and seized a Toyota Corolla leadership’s image as a force able to control its similar situation occurred at the own area of operations, which could in turn same checkpoint two days earlier containing a load of explosive materiel abandoned on the side of represent a confidence-building measure (if to another organization, yet the not an explicit requirement by the other side) NGO protagonists opted for the the road on the highway in Surobi (Tonale Khaki). It is probable for the upcoming political dialogue between transparent solution of having IMF/US and the IEA. In the past, IEA used their passports delivered by a se- that the explosives were bound for Kabul City. spectacular attacks in Kabul on several occa- cond car, upon which they were sions to reject allegations of their involvement allowed to leave. Whilst it is not a Henceforth, the cycle also pro- in exactly the same dialogue which they seem legal requirement for expatriates longed the period without AOG to have endorsed since the last couple of to carry their passports, the ANP attacks in the capital. Considering weeks now. Yet, from a different angle and clearly took advantage of the situ- the Abdul Fazel strike during the given the absence of explicit AOG messaging ation to extort a small bribe in the Ashura commemoration, a case on the above, it could also be that local IEA first case. However, yielding to apart since the attack likely origi- structures simply lack an effective leadership as such requests creates a precedent nated outside domestic AOG cir- well as boots & supplies on the ground, in par- which NGOs should take great cles, the most recent record of ticular following the concerted ANSF-IMF pains to avoid in the future. activity authored and claimed by campaign in the fall while the on-set of the A variant of the ‘slash tyre & grab’ established AOG date back to the winter further impacted the logistics. Of note, scheme, a well-established TTP in Traditional Loya Jirga period there is a stream of credible reporting which Kabul, was experienced by staff (mid-November) and further to suggests that the IEA have been busy appoint- members of an international inter- the SVBIED attack on the IMF ing new leaders tasked to change the status governmental agency with a pro- ‘Rhino’ bus on the Darulaman quo. The latest nominations would include a file similar to an NGO on the 25th Road in the end of October. The new shadow governor for Kabul City, his mili- in PD 2, Jade Asmayi & Haji Ab- speculations naturally abound as tary subordinate, and a couple of shadow dis- dul Rahman Area during a drive to the reasons of the current lull. trict governors in the rural districts along the from Azizi Bank in PD 2. The The obvious factors encompass main access routes towards Kabul. Among staff members effectively identi- AOG deliberate prioritization of these, the prominence of IEA loyalists from fied the attempt and mitigated the other areas of operations where the northern districts of Kabul (Shakardara, threat. Yet, the case also con- the attacks also make more differ- Qarabagh) and Kapisa is noteworthy. At this firmed that similar schemes have ence in the military sense (such as stage, it is too early to generalize as to the relia- become a frequent occurrence Kandahar & Paktika), although it bility of the information and the eventual im- targeting visitors to the banks in is also possible that the IEA lead- pact of such nominations on AOG motivation the city center. ership enforced a temporary ban & capacity to resume activity in the capital. on spectacular attacks in the after- THE ANSO REPORT Page 2

NGO Incidents KAPISA K APISA Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 40 In the short span of time since the late December incident, Tagab of the Tagab shooting. 30 witnessed a second ANA-on-IMF The operation sparked a series of 20 shooting on the 20th. Two days engagements with AOG which 10 later, ANSF with IMF support resulted in 30 documented AOG 0 initiated a comprehensive clear-up casualties (including 18 killed) operation in Alasay which extend- against 3 on the side of ANSF and ed until the end of the cycle. nil for IMF. However, the casual- KAPISA AOG KAPISA Crime Both developments marked high ty account also included 4 killed casualty numbers, including on and 17 injured civilians, mostly incidents in January 2012 nearly doubled the the civilian side in Alasay. The during clashes and air-strikes in previous highest benchmark of AOG volumes Tagab shooting influenced deci- the Alasay/Tagab borderland recorded for the month of January (13 attacks sions on the French participation (Darwali & Ali Shah Khel Areas) in 2010). This cycle alone, AOG authored 15 in ISAF and NTM-A missions, and in the DAC area where 7 ci- out of 22 security incidents. and it also raised the stakes high vilians were impacted in rocket for IMF-ANSF to demonstrate fire initiated by AOG. More tan- It is not surprising that in the face of the over- force during their move into gible than the ANA’s hearts & whelming fire power deployed by ANSF-IMF Alasay. minds component in the form of into Alasay, AOG proactive engagements in the same district remained limited to three In the morning of the 20th, an material and food assistance to strikes on the DAC (two IDF and one long- ANA soldier turned his weapon over 80 households, the security range/sniper fire) whilst the neighbouring Ta- on a group of unarmed IMF sol- forces left behind a reinforced gab boasted with 10 AOG attacks split be- diers engaged in a jogging exercise ANP dispositive including a series tween SAF/IDF attacks on police checkpoints at the ANA/IMF base in of permanent 24hr manned (7 cases), ambushes of security convoys (2), Shinkay/Payenda Khel. The checkpoints around the district and a less common hand grenade attack on the shooter managed to kill 4 IMF on center as well as in Ishpi and perimeter of Tagab DAC. Two IED strikes on the spot and injured an additional Skeen, whilst the ANA and IMF an ANP convoy in Shukhi (Mahmudi Raqi) 16 servicemen, 8 suffering life maintain their presence in the and on an ALP check point in Dara Ghain threatening injuries. The attacker FOB in the district center (Nijrab) completed the picture. was detained; his motivation has (Hasankhel) and back up the po- not been plausibly established so lice with regular patrolling of the For the upcoming weeks, NGO should factor far. roads. Whether this is enough to in further clashes in Alasay/Tagab borderland wrestle the district out from AOG as the IMF penetrate the rural areas to estab- The Alasay offensive initiated on control remains to be seen. At lish the ALP whilst the AOG return to the the 22nd. Aimed at securing the present it is obvious that the ball district to claim back their territory. Whereas district center and the main access remains on the ANSF-IMF side. territorial/positional fighting is not so much a routes throughout Ishpi and The former will need to demon- part of the established trends, effective am- Skeen Valleys, ANSF-IMF moti- strate an ability to police the dis- bushes and close-range attacks on security per- vations were also driven by the trict against AOG intrusions in sonnel and infrastructure are, including in the envisaged roll-out of the ALP and the long-term whilst the latter are population centers. In the past, AOG com- the fact that the communities already running against the clock manders would turn their weapons on the seemed reluctant to support the of the 2013 sped-up withdrawal. communities or individuals accused of collu- program unless ANSF establish a sions with GOA-IMF, or used the same justifi- more regular presence on the Trending from the years 2008- cation to extort financial or material support ground to protect them against 2011 indicates that AOG activity from the communities and contractors. On eventual AOG retributions. Over in Kapisa usually maintains a de- the IMF-ANSF side, further clear-up opera- 1000 ANA and ANP personnel gree of intensity during the winter tions may be expected in Tagab. (incl. MOI QRF) joined in the months, a feature which differs operations. Ground and air sup- from the established trends in port was provided by IMF who other ‘kinetic’ parts of Central, also dealt with a credibility deficit such as Wardak and Logar. Yet, following the political aftermath the combined 21 AOG-authored THE ANSO REPORT Page 3

NGO Incidents L OGAR Year to Date 0 LOGAR This Report Period 0 50 The year opened into a relatively 40 cycle. In the afternoon hours on calm period in Logar. This cycle, 30 the 28th, a domestic AOG unit AOG authored 6 out of 15 securi- 20 ty incidents which concentrated in apprehended two locals employed 10 the peripheral districts of Charkh with the police force in Nangarhar (3), Azra, Kharwar and Baraki whilst returning home to Azra 0 Barak (1 each). Likewise, the from Hisarak thru the Spandoka IMF-ANSF conflict-related activi- section of the main road. In a LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime ty was low and reverted to a hand- lucky turn of the event, the com- ful of targeted arrest operations in munity managed to negotiate the cal motivations appear plausible although the Azra, Baraki Barak and Puli Alam. safe release of the abductees the same day, demonstrating the ex- incident is yet to be assessed as it unfolds. In Charkh, the only casualty tent to which local identities pre- Overall, low AOG volumes notated in January linked to 3 AOG attacks was a vail over ideological motivations (8 AOG authored incidents) remain compati- civilian injured in the cross-fire in the local context. Yet, the two ble with the trending of the past years, includ- between AOG and an IMF patrol components, local identity and ing AOG territorial focus on the peripheral right in the district center on the political connections, can also areas such as Charkh and Kharwar and the 20th. The remaining IED strike become complementary when it selection of targets (ANSF-IMF incl. civilian on an IMF convoy in Dabare comes to political negotiations. contractors). Similar incident volumes can be Khawaja and an arson attack on a For instance, anecdotal evidence expected to prolong into the next month, alt- fuel tanker in Bandoka were not notated this cycle suggests that the hough the experience from the past years sug- lethal. Yet, effective IED strikes district authorities in both Hisarak gests that AOG will slowly commence to draw constitute a common feature in and Azra have come up with a the action closer to the strategic routes and the Baraki Barak. This period, a road- concerted attempt to use their populations centers of Puli Alam, Muhammad side bomb detonated against an former HIG connections to ap- Agha and Baraki Barak. Last year was also IMF vehicle in Mohmand Area proach local AOG elements in specific due to AOG focus on spectacular at- and injured at least 3 IMF sol- order to negotiate safe passage tacks in the DACs, including Azra, Khushi, diers. Looking back at 2011, 10 along the routes between Azra Puli Alam and Muhammad Agha. This is part- IED strikes in Baraki Barak killed and Hisarak. ly explicable due to the fact that the Az- 2 ANP, 1 IMF and 2 civilians, and ra/Khushi corridor became popular with non- injured an additional 5 IMF and 2 In the second case, two local el- local AOG networks throughout the year. As ANP members. Paradoxically, the ders (and former jihadi command- the external factors which had led to this shift bomb-planting in Baraki Barak ers) disappeared with a large in the first place remain place (IMF effort at took the heaviest toll on the AOG amount of cash from the highway sealing the border in Loya Paktya and in side as an additional three prema- near Khedir. The reporting sug- Nangarhar) whilst the access thru Logar re- ture detonations killed 7 and in- gested that the money was indeed mains open, it is reasonable to assume that jured 4 opposition fighters last a payment issued by the IMF to NGOs will continue to face an elevated risk of year. be distributed in the community of which the two individuals exposure to AOG attacks in the district centers Another typical feature, two ab- served as representatives towards this year. ductions were also recorded this IMF. Criminal rather than politi-

Information on Graphs: The graphs provided in the report are accurate as of the 1st of February 2012 THE ANSO REPORT Page 4

NGO Incidents W ARDAK Year to Date 0 WARDAK 50 This Report Period 0 This cycle, overt AOG activity 40 reverted to a meager 2 incidents in along or nearby the Highway. 30 During a clash in Baghak, IMF the peripheral areas as the conflict 20 dynamics remained driven by killed 5 and arrested 2 AOG fight- IMF-ANSF pressurizing AOG ers. Larger numbers of AOG 10 networks in Saydabad and Nirkh. fighters were captured in Aw 0 Naray, Sheikhabad, Yosufkhel and The district center of Day Mirdad Mohammad Azimkhel. Nirkh witnessed a concerted SAF & received another important por- WARDAK AOG WARDAK Crime heavy weapons fire attack on the tion of IMF-ANSF attention. DAC which nevertheless re- Four arrest operations targeted fighters against retributions from their own mained inaccurate and inconclu- HIG and IEA networks in Tokar- party as well as from the opposing AOG sive. In Nirkh, three ANP mem- ak, Qalai Tarakhel, Abdara and camps. NGOs with operations in Nirkh bers manning a check point in Durrani resulting in a dozen of should keep abreast with the eventual changes Karimdad were found shot dead AOG arrests. Besides the military in local power dynamics. Rather than disarm- in the facility and the fourth mem- effort, IMF-ANSF continued to ing and joining the APRP, the insertion of ber went missing, raising suspi- capitalize upon AOG partisan HIG units onto GOA side, for instance as cion as to his collusion in the inci- tensions. GOA officials made no ALP, could be a feasible scenario in play and dent. Overall, combined AOG secret about their on-going efforts one which has already been seen some areas incident volumes recorded in Jan- to open the doors for segments of such as Baghlan. There, such a change helped uary (6 incidents) mark a signifi- the local HIG landscape to join the IMF-GOA stem IEA growth but also pro- cant drop down when compared the peace process. Whilst both vided impunity for local militias to sort out to AOG activity in the same peri- sides understand that the driver their own agenda without fearing disciplinary od during the previous three years behind reconciliation efforts pri- actions from the central government. (17, 11 and 9 attacks respectively marily stem from HIG progres- Saydabad and Nirkh will most likely remain in for 2011, 2010 and 2009) and are sively losing ground to IEA rather the IMF spotlight in the weeks to come and at least partly attributable to the than from the fighters’ genuine ever more as the AOG reactivate after the win- on-going IMF initiatives in Sayda- recognition of the Kabul regime, ter break. Yet NGOs may also expect exten- bad and Nirkh. the communities also question the sive IMF-ANSF operations to shift towards In Saydabad, at least 5 separate ability of the ANSF and IMF to Chaki Wardak, Jaghatu and Day Mirdad in the operations targeted AOG bases protect the reconciled & disarmed anticipation of the ALP roll-out there.

NGO Incidents PANJSHIR Year to Date 0 This Report Period 0 Following the departure of IMF troops including the PRT personnel from the valley, Panjshir got back to the usual calm, sporadically coloured by political intrigues and factional rivalries. The said PRT facility has been handed over to the au- thorities and dedicated to host the Panjshir University in the future. This cycle, ANP reported a seizure of an assortment of old weaponry, incl. home-made bombs, from a cache discovered in the Malima Area in the Dara District Center, which also constituted the sole security event reported so far this year. THE ANSO REPORT Page 5

NGO Incidents DAYKUNDI D AYKUNDI Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 A series of criminal escalations 40 ranging from violent disputes to ANP on motorcycles approaching 30 the location. The NGO staff arson attacks and attempts at 20 armed robberies was recorded members identified all four attack- over the last three cycles. Accord- ers. Unlike the ANP who as per 10 ing to an NGO report received the NGO account wouldn’t seem 0 this cycle, an NGO road mission eager to follow up the case, the experienced a criminal attempt in community leaders committed to late December in Dahani Kara- engage the criminal ring and the DAYKUNDI AOG DAYKUNDI Crime mat, Sangi Takht. Transiting mentioned commander in a dia- from Nili towards Sangi Takht in logue to save the NGO from weather and absence of manifested political a rented mini-van, a senior field harm in the future. Of note, the violence dominated the province including the member, accompanied by his event marked the sole NGO- notorious conflict zones. In Tamazan, recent daughter, her friend, and a driver related incident during 2011. efforts at mediation encompassed a wide range were blocked on the road for al- From a broader perspective, the of actors including the provincial authorities, most two hours by a group of documented crime rates in the central government/IDLG and IMF, and armed youngsters from a nearby Daykundi remain low and had actually coincided with the security handover village. The group, obviously on even decreased by 30% in a yearly of the province into ANSF hands. Yet, it re- the lookout for easy income from comparison between 2010 and mains to be seen whether the cross-border travellers, is known locally for 2011. The last year actually saw ANP & community infighting over the control enjoying the protection of a local much less road-side criminality of access routes between Gizab and Nili has commander himself linked to a than 2010. In counterpoint, de-escalated or has just merely frozen over the prominent warlord. When the NGOs present in Daykundi will winter months. gunmen’s pursuit of money from usually agree that the culture of For the rest of the winter season, NGO safety the passengers did not yield any crime & impunity, occasionally concerns will most likely revolve around pre- significant amount, the attackers endorsed by local commanders carious weather conditions and road access. attempted to drive away in the with informal or formal links to Weather issues should be factored into plan- vehicle. This attempt also failed the authorities, continues to pros- ning all across the Central Highlands. During as none of them could drive. per across the province and the the previous cycle, an avalanche killed two and They then kept pressurizing the crimes committed in the rural injured three pedestrians on a secondary road two male passengers to accept to communities sometimes do not in the Qalamqool Qurgha Area of Khedir. drive the vehicle to a particular reach outsiders and the communi- Adoption of a ‘worst-case’ mindset whilst en- location, which both men refused. ties, often for fear of retributions suring the logistical background for NGO The gunmen finally left the pas- from the perpetrators. travels and operations is recommended.. sengers unharmed and escaped In line with seasonal trends, bad after having spotted a group of

NGO Incidents B AMYAN Year to Date 0 BAMYAN 50 This Report Period 0 An ANP-NDS arrest operation in 40 the Ghandak Area of Shibar con- escalations remain extremely rare 30 stituted the sole security incident and prove that if active at all, the 20 local marginalized AOG networks this cycle, and prolonged the se- 10 are not eager to bring action to ries of arrests of local AOG affili- 0 ates reported in December. On their home field. It is the fact that the 26th, the force traced a local the adjacent districts in Baghlan mullah to his residence where an and Parwan remain the main BAMYAN AOG BAMYAN Crime assortment of weaponry was also hotspots of AOG activity in the seized. Although the Ghandak area and that the local tradition is Area and the Shikary Valley are more one of an ideological en- reputed for sporadic activity of dorsement than of overt fighting armed criminal groups, political for AOG cause. THE ANSO REPORT Page 6

NGO Incidents P ARWAN Year to Date 0 PARWAN This Report Period 0 50 Heavy snowfalls impacted the 40 mand-wire IED fixed in a gas cyl- traffic in the Salang Palass and 30 caused the tunnels to close for inder was discovered on the main 20 several days. It is noteworthy that Parwan – Bamyan road in Danda the MOI’s Salang Maintenance Area (Ghorband District) in the 10 Department marked some tangi- early afternoon of the 26th. The 0 ble improvements of its capacity event marked the first manifesta- to manage natural disasters along tion of AOG presence in the val- the ring road this year. These in- ley this year and provided further PARWAN AOG PARWAN Crime clude the establishment of 16 substance to the projections of an emergency rooms (9 on the Par- AOG return following their prem- ature exit due to ANSF-IMF a minimum number of personnel on the wan side, 6 in Baghlan) designed ground and as such they will continue to pose for an approximate 30-50 persons clearing operations in the fall. Overall, IEDs remain a constant, a danger for civilian road movements through- each and equipped with emergen- out the year. cy supplies incl. VHF communica- yet minor, portion of the local tions, and staffed with full-time AOG portfolio. The 2011 IED From a different angle, continued IMF SOF personnel trained in disaster man- statistics remained on par with the emphasis on boosting the ALP in Ghorband agement. Despite the parallel ex- rates recorded for 2010, the pivot- sparked criticism from the local and provincial pansion of health care facilities al year for AOG resurgence in ANP structures which resent the low level of which now include a mobile medi- Ghorband. Both years marked 13 accountability of the ALP to ANP and the cal unit based out of Gawara emplacements incl. 5 effective IMF sidelining the ANP in the recruitment Sang, access to emergency health detonations in 2011 (4 of them process. It is of note that the majority of near- care along the road remains a ma- occurred before 1030 hrs) and 8 ly 200 ALP members have been mainly consti- jor weakness, especially on the in 2010. As a reference, IED det- tuted of Jamiat supporters. This might es- Baghlan side. Self-reliance on onations constituted less than trange the militiamen from the local regular emergency supplies and situational 10% of AOG-initiated incidents police force which includes a Hizbi Islami ma- awareness including updates on in the Ghorband Valley in 2011, jority. Whilst the AOG return to the valley weather and the road condition having been four times less fre- remains quite certain, the infiltration routes should be a part of NGO contin- quent than SAF ambushes. Yet, from Baghlan and Wardak have been left unse- gency planning for winter/early road-side bombs constitute a logi- cured, and the place of ALP in the local distri- spring movements. cal AOG choice during the ‘lean’ bution of force and the program’s impact on periods when the networks deploy AOG access remain to be seen. In the Ghorband Valley, a com-

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ANSO: “..by NGOs for NGOs..” THE ANSO REPORT Page 7

N OTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents ALKH Year to Date 0 BALKH B 50 This Report Period 0 Despite a low volume of incident 40 reporting (the province notched actual security situation looks dif- 30 only 9 incidents this period, rela- ferent on the ground the day be- 20 fore a ceremony and the day after, tively similar to the last 2 report- 10 as the process is designed to be ing cycles, which recorded 11 and 0 6 respectively), Balkh continues to fluid, but as IMF forces begin to see activity—both political and leave the region in large numbers security related—that is of some over the next months/years, the BALKH AOG BALKH Crime interest to the NGO sector, as the effect may become more tangible. solved as of the writing of this report. well documented winter lull pre- Mazar-e Sharif saw other relatively pares to turn into the historically notable developments, including Outside of Mazar-e Sharif, there was no docu- more volatile spring. Of relatively anecdotal reports about a relative mented movement in how IMF would deal superficial note to the short spike in crime—somewhat sup- with the contested CIP process—as noted in term—but part of a larger dynam- ported by recorded incidents in- prior reports—but the districts where CIPs in ic with significant long term impli- cluding the killing of a civilian in Balkh operate (Chimtal and Chahar Bolak), cations—Balkh Province wit- PD#1 and the breaking in and began to see a slight increase in activity (with nessed a ceremony marking the robbing of a GOA employee’s similar increases occurring in some of the oth- transition of security from IMF to residence on January 20th—and er CIP deployed areas). While the 2 districts GOA. The ceremony, which oc- also hosted a large demonstration combined for only 4 incidents (including a curred on the 25th, marked one of on the 21st around the Mahkama robbery and 2 separate killings), it marked an three that occurred this period area (in the vicinity of the Blue increase from the 2 that occurred over the first (including also districts in Badakh- Mosque). The latter demonstra- half of January, and the 6 which occurred over shan and Shibirghan City), and tion revolved around an issue the entire previous month (all of which were drew VIPs to the area, but denot- originating from outside of Mazar attributed to government or IMF forces). 3 of ed no shifts to the security para- (in Marmal District), regarding an the incidents occurred in Chahar Bolak, and digm or significant incidents argument about whether a divorce took place amidst multiple reports from the (outside of the increased defensive carried out by local religious el- area that AOGs are beginning to move back posture throughout Mazar-e Sha- ders—but not documented by the into the often contested districts west of Mazar rif City in preparation). Prior to law—held legal ground. The hus- City. this, Mazar-e Sharif City had tran- band had decided 6 months after Lastly, although a short follow up IMF mission sitioned independently during the “divorce” that the couple was took place after the large operation in Tando- Phase 1 of the transition process not divorced, and subsequently rak (Chahark Kint District) on January 9th, no on July 23rd. According to multi- attempted to block the divorced plans for a hold phase are currently underway ple sources from IMF, the transi- wife’s newly arranged marriage. in the area. In a likely unrelated incident else- tion ceremonies do not denote a In response, the court arrested where in the district (Baba Qara)—also occur- significant shift on the day on both individuals as it sought to ring at the end of the PRP on the 14th—a which they occur, but rather mark rule on whether to honour the group of 30 armed men stopped the vehicle of a point in the process when earlier divorce. The demonstra- residents of Feroz Nakhshir District ANSF has the capability—and has tion—the second one concerning (Samangan) as they were collecting and trans- taken the responsibility—to take this issue (with the first occurring porting wood. The perpetrators beat and the lead in security related matters in Marmal)—drew a crowd of robbed the locals, setting fire to their vehicle. within the designated area, while approximately 800 in an argument The area is relatively remote, and usually ac- IMF moves to a mentoring that was fundamentally between cessed via Samangan. These mark the only (monitoring and supportive) role. the courts and the religious elders, incidents recorded in the district this year. Hence, it is rarely the case that the and the issue had not been re- THE ANSO REPORT Page 8

NGO Incidents B AGHLAN Year to Date 0 BAGHLAN This Report Period 0 50 Baghlani Jadid District continued 40 to account for the lion’s share of ties, the proliferation of IEDs in 30 the province is worth monitoring. security incident reporting in 20 Baghlan Province (9 of 16 this Outside of these 7, the other 2 10

period), with an additional 6 inci- incidents in Baghlani Jadid con- 0 dents occurring in Puli Khumri. sisted of large numbers of AOG members surrendering to the The beginning of the cycle wit- BAGHLAN AOG BAGHLAN Crime nessed 4 straight security incidents GOA, with a group on the 28th in Baghlani Jadid between the reportedly including 50 individuals In addition to the 9 incidents in Baghlani Jadid, 16th and the 19th—2 of which at one time. At the time of this 6 incidents occurred in Puli Khumri, the most were IED related and 2 of which report, anecdotal sources suggest- significant of those including 2 separate inci- consisted of IMF night raids— ed that the majority of these indi- dents on the 26th involving the discovery and with an additional 3 IED related viduals were from a HiG back- removal of IEDs, one of which occurred on incidents in the district later in the ground, and that—with no con- the Mazar – Puli Khumri road. Also of note cycle (all on the 26th or 27th). Of crete practice in place—they had was the seizure of 2 suicide vests amongst those 5 IED related incidents, one surrendered, but been immediate- some ruins in the Dandi Ghori area. involved the discovery and re- ly given their weapons back and The province noted a relative increase in the moval of 3 RCIEDs in Qaiser summarily dismissed, causing volume of incident reporting—up from 11 the Khel village and 2 involved IED some to question whether any previous cycle, and 12 the cycle before that— discoveries in the same area on process was in place to deal with which was largely divided between IED sei- the main Kunduz – Puli Khumri surrenders. This represents a sig- zures—including those along main road be- road, but the most significant in- nificant volume of surrenders, tween Puli Khumri and Kunduz and Puli volved an IED detonation against and—although it is unclear what Khumri and Mazar—and AOG surrenders/ the private vehicle of the District percentage of these were actual IMF operations. This is consistent with re- Chief of Police at 1600 in the Dis- combatants—this could conceiva- ports of an increased AOG presence in the trict Center. In the latter, the ve- bly have some effect on the cur- northern districts of Baghlan, but it should be hicle was parked at the time of rent security paradigm. It is worth noted that the vast majority of IEDs continue detonation with nobody in it, and noting that Baghlani Jadid is fa- to be discovered and do not detonate. the detonation caused no injuries. mous for the shuffling back and Despite an overall lack of casual- forth of armed group loyalties.

NGO Incidents J AWZJAN Year to Date 0 JAWZJAN 50 This Report Period 0 Although a ceremony marking the 40 transition of security for Shibir- the TPA (3 in Qush Tepa and 1 in 30 ghan from IMF to the GOA on Darzab). Of note amongst the 4 20 in the TPA, 2 of them involved the 28th grabbed the most head- 10 the direct targeting of CIPs, in- line this period, the more signifi- 0 cant development may have been cluding 1 IED detonation (of the 2 which occurred in the province) the resurfacing of AOG activity in JAWZJAN AOG JAWZJAN Crime the Tri-Provincial Area (TPA)— and an attack against a CIP check- specifically in Qush Tepa Dis- point, and 1 of them (Darzab) winter lulls in activity, and it remains unclear trict—which had been relatively involved the killing of a former what the situation will look like when AOGs quiet since the deployment of Jihadi commander in the District begin to return to the area in the spring. An CIPs, and had not seen any securi- Center. The CIP project was increase in the direct targeting of CIPs could ty incidents since mid December credited by many for the relative suggest a volatile spring for the project areas— 2011 (the 14th). In all, Jawzjan lull it created in AOG activity in and the CIPs in particular—but more time and witnessed 8 security incidents this most of the areas where it was analysis will be required. reporting period, with 2 each in deployed, but the deployment Shibrighan and Aqcha, and 4 in occurred relatively close to natural THE ANSO REPORT Page 9

NGO Incidents F ARYAB Year to Date 1 FARYAB This Report Period 0 50 As of the writing of this report, 40 Faryab had witnessed only 14 se- dents occurred in Dawlatabad 30 curity incidents this period—a District on the 13th and 15th. On 20 relatively low volume for the vola- the 13th, 3 RCIEDs were found 10 tile province—with 4 each in the in the Shor Darya area, and else- 0 kinetic districts of Qaysar and where (in Bazaari Qala Village), an Pashtun Kot, and 1 each in Daw- IED detonated outside of a FARYAB AOG FARYAB Crime latabad and Qaramqol in the Mosque—reportedly targeting a CIP commander. Also in Dawlat- northern portion of the province. end—it has also been suggested by strong Of these 14, nearly half (6) were abad—on the 15th, but in Jarqala Village—an RCIED detonated sources that 2 key AOG leaders involved in AOG attacks on ANP positions the building and placement of IEDs have re- (mostly ANP checkpoints), with a targeting a different CIP com- mander. Neither of these detona- turned to the area in early January, and this further 2 of them being other may correlate with an increase in IED activity, AOG initiated incidents (an attack tions resulted in any casualties, but they are noteworthy, as Daw- the often noted tactic of choice (along with on a telecommunications tower night time attacks against ANP check posts) as and an attack against the home of latabad has been one of the few districts where the arrival of CIPs they attempt to take back territory. The inci- an AOG member who had sur- dents that occurred in Dawlatabad and neigh- rendered to the GOA),. Only 3 has not correlated with a signifi- cant lull in security reporting (and bouring Qaramqol this period were of less of these were initiated by GOA note, and consisted of a criminal robbery of a forces. The high percentage of where—to the contrary—CIPs appear to be being targeted, a local residence and a search operation which incident reporting in Qaysar and netted AT mines. Pashtun Kot remain roughly in trend which has shown up to a line with existing trends as the 4 lesser degree in Kunduz, and now In terms of the province in general, the majori- incidents in Qaysar does not rep- in the Tri-Provincial Area). While ty of the above remains consistent—although resent a high volume, though the some of this may be because of somewhat low in volume—with the existing 4 in Pashtun Kot is more note- the timing—the CIP program was security paradigm, which is likely to see in- worthy. Outside of this— rolled out later in Dawlatabad creases in activity as the spring arrives. occurring the PRP but not report- then elsewhere, and the “winter ed until later—3 IED related inci- lull” may already be coming to an

NGO Incidents T AKHAR Year to Date 0 TAKHAR 50 This Report Period 0 In an extremely quiet cycle, all 6 40 of the incidents that occurred in and in terms of seizures, a private 30 Takhar this reporting period were vehicle carrying a large volume of 20 initiated by GOA/IMF forces, explosives was seized along the 10 and consisted of search operations Takhar – Badakhshan road on the 0 and/or arrests. Notable amongst 29th (in Kalafgan District) and 2 these was one which was conduct- homemade IEDs were seized in ed by ANSF/IMF at 2200 hours Darqad District (in conjunction TAKHAR AOG TAKHAR Crime on the 28th, which IMF claims with a medium volume of ammu- responsibility from IMF to GOA—which had killed the AOG leader responsible nition). Although the noted ex- been scheduled to occur on the 30th. The for planning the December 25th plosives were of import, no ceremony was postponed due to inclement IED attack that killed Parliament known target or group had been weather which would not allow helicopters to Member Bik in Taluqan (with 2 tied to either of them as of the land, and a new date had not been decided others arrested in the raid as writing of this report. upon at the time of this report. However, the well). In other operations, 4 other Takhar was also one of 2 North change was not otherwise security related, and AOG or ACG members were Region provinces that postponed the province is still scheduled to transition this reportedly arrested, with 1 AOG a planned transition ceremony— tranche. member voluntarily surrendering, marking the change of security THE ANSO REPORT Page 10

NGO Incidents S AR- E PUL Year to Date 0 SAR‐E PUL This Report Period 0 50 While NGOs may be most inter- 40 ested in the 2 security incidents had been in many ways the leader 30 that occurred along the Sar-e Pul of the anti-PG party—had already 20 – Shibirghan road this reporting been at the end of the PRP). Po- 10 period, the population of Sar-e tentially in response to this con- 0 Pul continues to wait for a deci- tinued unrest, the transition cere- mony—which was scheduled to sion from the Central Govern- SAR‐E PUL AOG SAR‐E PUL Crime ment in the wake of a series of occur on the 31st of January— demonstrations and meetings that had been postponed as of the an AOG—shot 2 masons as they were work- have been held regarding the po- writing of this report. ing on constructing an ANP checkpoint, killing tential removal of the Provincial In terms of manifested insecurity, 1 of them and injuring the other. Although Governor of Sar-e Pul. The anti- the province witnessed only 4 the masons denote civilian casualties, the direct PG movement, based topically on incidents this period, with 3 of targeting of civilians working for the GOA (or the PG’s alleged allowance (or those occurring in Sar-e Pul Dis- IMF) has occurred with some level of regulari- subsequent cover up) of crimes trict. While 1 (on the 16th) denot- ty before, most often in the case of truck driv- against civilians, has been a source ed the surrendering of 8 AOG ers (especially those transporting fuel to IMF of contention for months now, members, 2 of them (on the dates installations). These 2 incidents—in conjunc- and has resulted in a drawn out noted above) marked new insecu- tion with the 2 illegal checkpoints that took political process played out both rity recorded on the long contest- place over the last week of December (1 ACG in demonstrations on the streets ed Sar-e Pul – Shibrighan road. attributed and 1 AOG attributed)—suggest of Sar-e Pul, and in the halls of On the 10th, at 1600 hours—a that the lull that had mostly occurred since the the government in Kabul. Multi- relatively early hour in the even- late summer of 2011 has ended, and AOGs are ple sources suggest that the anti- ing—4 armed men established an feeling more comfortable operating openly PG contingent repeatedly threat- illegal checkpoint in the Imam around the main road and throughout the ened new rounds of demonstra- Jafar area of the Sar-e Pul – province. This is relatively consistent with the tions over the past 2 weeks, but Shibirghan road, where they same period in 2011, when the road saw a continued to postpone them as stopped vehicles to check them number of illegal check points starting early in the Central Government prom- for GOA/ANSF employees. Of the winter months, and there is a strong likeli- ised to keep working on the issue, more note, on the 28th, at 1700 in hood that more insecurity—predominantly and many believe that the Provin- the Sayed Abad area of the same illegal checkpoints—will occur along this road. cial Governor is set to be replaced road, a group of 7-10 armed (as the Deputy Governor—who men—believed to be members of

NGO Incidents S AMANGAN Year to Date 0 SAMANGAN This Report Period 0 50 Samangan continues to record a 40 low volume of incidents, with (only reported this period), and 30 only 3 noted this reporting period, consisted of the finding of a sig- 20 2 of those being interpersonal nificant cache in Hazrati Sultan on 10 disputes (1 in Aybak and 1 in Da- the 15th. There were also other 0 ra-I Sufi Payin), and 1 in the Dis- seizures of ammunition and ex- plosives from Ruyi Du Ab on the trict Center of Hazrati Sultan, SAMANGAN AOG SAMANGAN Crime where 11 security guards from a 11th (as reported last reporting period). This is of some signifi- private road construction project tions increase in the area. At this time, cance. Although there are rarely were disarmed. None of the Baghlan has begun to see more insecurity, and strong AOG operations in these above incidents denote especially IMF/ANSF operations are likely to increase. districts, the province remains a exceptional events, nor shifts in However, Samangan remains relatively stable potential safe haven for AOGs the existing—and relatively sta- at this time, with the noted incidents of only moving from east to west (or vice ble—security paradigm for the mild significance to, and almost none to the versa), especially those coming province, but 1 notable incident province’s immediate security paradigm. did occur late last reporting period from Baghlan when IMF opera- THE ANSO REPORT Page 11

NGO Incidents UNDUZ Year to Date 0 KUNDUZ K 50 This Report Period 0 Kunduz saw an upswing in inci- 40 dent reporting this cycle, record- Buzkashi field. The explosion 30 ing 20 security incidents as op- was notable due to the fact that it 20 posed to the 16 which were rec- occurred in a public place in the 10 orded over the first half of Janu- middle of the day (1430), but it 0 ary, and the 15 recorded the cycle does not necessarily represent a before that, with this number like- shift or outlier, as Kunduz District KUNDUZ AOG KUNDUZ Crime ly to increase (due to late report- alone witnessed 50 IED detona- ing). While a significant 10 of tions in 2011, making the 2 that those incidents were IED related, occurred this period roughly con- men at approximately 1700 hours. One of the the actual percentage remained sistent with the overall security 4—a cook—attempted to violently resist, and consistent with the last 2 periods paradigm from the previous year. was shot and killed on the spot, while the sec- (8 and 7, each denoting a mostly The detonation did not occur dur- retary of the head of a Kunduz Customs de- similar percentage). In fact, it is ing an actual match—where a partment was abducted, with the driver and a of note that despite the 10 IED large number of civilian casualties bodyguard tied up and abandoned. Although related incidents, only 2 of those may have occurred—and only the insecurity is relatively rife throughout the prov- resulted in actual detonations, and NDS officer himself was injured ince, it is worth noting that besides an abduc- 1 of those 2 was premature caus- (he lived). It is assessed as likely tion that occurred on December 21st, 2011, no ing no casualties. Further to this, that AOG attributed insecurity— similar incident had occurred on a road in 5 of the IED discoveries—as well especially IED related—will con- Imam Sahbi since an illegal checkpoint on the as both of the detonations— tinue to climb as the winter comes Imam Sahib – Besos road on June 4th, making occurred in Kunduz District. to an end. this an exception—although not a total outli- Other noted AOG tactics this Outside of this, significant report- er—to the overall security paradigm for the period included 2 incidents con- ing included 2 notable roadside province. The secretary was subsequently re- sisting of AOG attacks on pro- events, both attributed to criminal leased on the 30th, reportedly after the pay- government militia members. motives. The first was on the ment of a ransom. The other roadside inci- 28th of January, along the dent was an armed robbery in Khanabad on The most notable of the above the 28th (at 2000 hours) along the Khanabad – IED related incidents was a deto- Kunduz – Shir Khan Bandar Road in Imam Sahib District, Taloqan road. Both incidents occurred outside nation against an NDS vehicle on of regular NGO travel hours. January 18th in the Kunduz when a vehicle of 4 GOA em- ployees was stopped by armed

NGO Incidents B ADAKHSHAN Year to Date 0 BADAKHSHAN This Report Period 0 50 On January 24th, the responsibil- 40 ity for the security of 7 districts in into and searched the private resi- 30 dences of 2 former Jihadi com- Badakhshan (Yaftali Sufla, Shahri 20 manders (both Jamiat affiliated), Buzurg, Baharak, Tishkan, Ki- 10 seizing weapons and ammunition. shim, Argo and Arghanj Khwa) 0 and Fayzabad City was transferred The commanders returned during from the IMF to GOA. Amongst the above, and engaged the AOG those notably absent from the in a brief fire fight, which resulted BADAKHSHAN AOG BADAKHSHAN Crime transition were Warduj (which has in injuries to a local child. These witnessed 12 of Badakhshan’s last commanders were not standing in the area. As the drug trafficking season gets 20 security incidents) and the stra- up actual Pro-Government mili- closer, it will be noteworthy to see if/how ex- tegically important Kuran Wa tias, but each was known to work isting power structures deal with this group. Munjan (which borders the more with the GOA/ANSF, and be in Safety related—but not security related—the kinetic Eastern Region). Outside control of a small group of armed most significant event in the province re- of this ceremony, only 2 security men. This illustrates the strong mained the series of avalanches caused by incidents were recorded this re- presence the AOG has built in the heavy snow that reportedly killed over 40 and porting period. area, and their willingness to injured more than 60 throughout the province. openly engage significant targets On January 18th, an AOG broke THE ANSO REPORT Page 12

W ESTERN REGION

NGO Incidents H ERAT Year to Date 1 HERAT 50 This Report Period 1 This reporting period Herat expe- 40 rienced one NGO related inci- (respectively) a PSC driver, a local 30 businessmen and 2 members of a dent. On 17 January, in the vicini- 20 ty of the city Citadel, 2 armed men family killed in Naw Abad area). 10 riding a motorcycle shot and seri- As of the writing of this report, ously injured a female NGO staff none of them had been confirmed 0 member while she was en route to as ideologically motivated. her office by foot. The modus Besides the above incidents relat- HERAT AOG HERAT Crime operandi of the attackers and the ed to criminal activity, the city circumstances of the incident indi- remained relatively quiet. The period, including 2 detonations and an IED cated a targeted attack rather than noteworthy seizure of a motorcy- discovery (on the main road to the Guzara a random crime. cle rigged with explosives, as well DAC). The choice of targets indicates that Although initial reporting suggest- as the detention of an ANP offi- AOGs remain focused on security forces as ed that the political background of cial working at the ANP HQ both strikes occurred on ANP/ALP vehicles the victim (a former candidate for demonstrate the continuing po- (in Farsi and Shindand respectively). the 2010 Provincial Council), or tential for AOG activity in the Similar to the previous period the APRP pro- the victim’s involvement in the area (and at the same time sug- cess has continued into the current reporting NGO’s activity related to gender gesting increased concerns about cycle with a reported 55 AOG fighters from issues, may have played a role in the infiltration of AOG elements Obe, Guzara, Shindand and Pashtun Zarghun the targeting, the current investi- into ANSF). joining the process. Noteworthy amongst the- gation appears to favour reasons Elsewhere in the province, AOG se, the reconciliation of a prominent com- unrelated to the NGO position, initiated attacks were recorded in mander from Pashtun Zarghun and a number but rather pointing to a personal Injil (where during the night time of his associates may have a positive impact on dispute as the most likely motive. an IMF supply convoy came un- the security situation in the province and po- This seems to fit with the security der attack on the Herat – tentially encourage some other groups to join paradigm in Herat city, where Turghundi Highway) and in the process. Yet, it remains to be seen wheth- similar cases of targeted killings Gulran, where AOG ambushed er the APRP will be able to ensure the sustain- had already been recorded (with 3 an ANBP patrol vehicle, killing 5 ability of this or future reconciliation (s). other cases recorded this period in ANBP servicemen. Only 3 IED districts 2, 6 and 8, involving related incidents occurred this

ACRONYMS: Please see the final page for a list of ANSO-utilized acronyms. THE ANSO REPORT Page 13

NGO Incidents G HOR Year to Date 0 GHOR This Report Period 0 50 In the last fortnight Ghor re- 40 mained relatively quiet and hosted tion of the Head of the local 30 only 5 security events. Besides Shura that was reported during 20 the last period in Taywara; this Chaghcharan, where the ANP 10 series of incidents seems to be arrested an individual in relation 0 to a criminal case, reported securi- related to the longstanding con- ty events were concentrated on flict between a local prominent the southern districts of Taywara commander (who recently seems GHOR AOG GHOR Crime and Pasaband. to have been disconnected from his support by Helmandi AOGs) On 16 January during the evening Baghran District of Helmand. At the time of and his rival, an MP originating hours, an AOG attacked local writing this report, the exact circumstances from the district. The exacerba- residences in the area of Taywara behind the incident remain unclear, but it ap- tion of this conflict had already District Center with small arms pears that an exogenous AOG was behind the caused a significant deterioration fire. A fire fight ensued with the abduction and the incident is likely related to to the operating environment for ANP, but did not cause reported recent tensions between the commander and NGOs in the area during the last casualties. Just a few hours later, his former allies (Helmandi AOGs). months of the previous year. The the ANP located and defused an Nonetheless, the harsh winter conditions re- second week of this reporting pe- RCIED rigged on a motorcycle in ported across the province, and resulting lim- riod however, saw a rather unex- the same area. Finally—on the ited mobility, will likely continue to influence pected development in the situa- following day—security forces security reporting from the province as no sig- tion, as (according to multiple located 4 explosive devices (AP nificant incidents were noted during the se- sources) the fore mentioned com- mines) which were emplaced on a cond week of the reporting period (and—for mander was abducted along with roadside, still in the vicinity of the the reporting period—beyond those incidents 4 of his associates in Pasaband, DAC. mentioned above). while apparently in transit to Similar to the temporary abduc-

NGO Incidents B ADGHIS Year to Date 0 BADGHIS This Report Period 0 50 In the last two weeks, a total of 22 40 security incidents were reported in and 2 in Murghab. Significantly, a 30 Badghis, with 10 of those attribut- prolonged armed clash was re- 20 ed to AOGs. This volume dis- ported in Panirak area of Murgh- 10 plays a drop in AOG activity in ab, that resulted in 2 AOG killed, 0 comparison with the PRP, which while reportedly 1 ANP was killed saw 15 AOG initiated incidents. and 1 ALP member was wounded in the fire fight. BADGHIS AOG BADGHIS Crime The geographical distribution of AOG authored incidents shows This period, IED emplacement Murghab, Ghormach and Jawand, nonetheless that AOG activity was focused in was focused also on Murghab, it appears that they created significant impacts. particular on Murghab (a historic which experienced 5 out of the This was due in particular to an operation con- AOG hot spot in the province) total 7 IED related incidents. ducted by IMF and ANA special forces in Pa- and Qadis – which together com- Effective AOG IED activity de- nirak area (following the above described bined to account for more than creased this reporting cycle, with AOG attack on an ANP CP), that resulted in a 58% of all AOG initiated inci- only one device that resulted in reported 15 AOG members killed (incl. an dents, followed after by Muqur, detonation, whereas the PRP ex- AOG commander) and another 6 arrested. Ghormach and Jawand districts. perienced 4 such strikes. The blast damaged an IMF patrolling Lastly, this reporting period saw also a transi- In line with well established tacti- vehicle and caused injuries to 2 tion ceremony for Qala-I-Naw city marking cal trends in the province, AOG IMF soldiers (in Shore Akazai the shift of security responsibilities from IMF direct attacks were once again area of Murghab). to ANSF. The event took place on 31 January prominent, with 9 concurrencies. with GOA and ISAF representatives in attend- The majority of these attacks tar- On the ANSF/IMF side, docu- ance and passed without reported incidents. geted ANP check posts, notably mented operations were rather on 4 separate occasions in Qadis limited and affected mainly THE ANSO REPORT Page 14

NGO Incidents FARAH F ARAH Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 An increase in overall incident 40 volumes has been recorded in In Farah, the use of victim operat- 30 Farah this reporting period with a ed IEDs (as opposed to using 20 total of 32 security events, as more discriminating and precise 10 compared to the 26 recorded over remote controlled devices) contin- 0 the PRP. The volume of AOG ued to represent a significant initiated incidents, however, re- threat to the local population, as mained in line with the previous well as NGOs operating in the FARAH AOG FARAH Crime period, with 13 incidents being area. This was highlighted when a attributed to AOGs, with roadside IED detonated on a pub- ter case, the victim is believed to have been ANSF/IMF operations driving lic transport vehicle while it was killed over the accusation that he was cooper- the upwards trend. travelling on the main Farah – ating with the GOA. Farah Rod road (Orya area of Bala In the last fortnight, the districts This period security forces were also active Buluk), wounding 13 passengers. of Bakwa, Bala Buluk, Khaki across the provinces leading 15 documented Safed and Pusht Rod accounted Intimidation of the local popula- operations. Whereas in Farah City, the securi- for the majority of AOG authored tion by AOGs was again evident, ty situation remained stable (with only 2 small incidents. In Bakwa, AOG con- with 2 incidents reported from scale operations carried out in districts 3 and tinued to focus their efforts on Bala Buluk and Pusht Rod. While 4), the main ANSF efforts were concentrated disrupting vehicular movement an ANP was abducted by an on the bordering district of Lash Wa Juwayn along the Herat – Kandahar High- AOG while en route to his duty (primarily against the smuggling and drug busi- way, with an IED strike targeting station in Seya Jangal area of Bala nesses) as well as in Bala Buluk and Bakwa, an ANA vehicle (which injured 3 Buluk, 2 AOG members riding on where a total of 12 suspected AOG members ANA soldiers) and a direct attack a motorcycle shot and killed a were arrested during 3 separate operations. on an IMF supply convoy report- local elder in Pusht Rod, Sang ed in Dilaram Bazaar area. Golak area. In regards to the lat-

AOG Attack Rates - January Comparison 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 THE ANSO REPORT Page 15

E ASTERN REGION

NGO Incidents N ANGARHAR Year to Date 1 NANGARHAR This Report Period 0 50 The development of greatest 40 long-term significance that took grenade attack on a GOA offi- 30 place during the past fortnight cial’s residence in Zone 4 and a 20 was the January 26th ceremony discovery of a large culvert IED marking the official handover of on a sideroad in the same zone’s 10 primary security responsibilities to Chehel Metra; an IED detonation 0 Afghan National Security Forces, near Zone 2’s Mia Omar high in Jalalabad City and the sur- school; a night letter on a UN NANGARHAR AOG NANGARHAR Crime rounding districts of Behsud, employee’s home; and a magnetic Sorkh Rod, Kuz Kunar and Ka- IED detonation on a fuel tanker near the main entrance to JAF. points to a dynamic that may become increas- ma. The event itself did not draw th There was also an IDF attack on ingly relevant in the long-term: on January 28 , any specific AOG threat reporting ANP overseeing an IO distribution of relief or incidents, and already over the an IMF convoy just north of Behsud bridge. goods ‘confiscated’, or more accurately stole, a weekend following the transition substantial quantity of the relief goods, assert- ceremony, truck convoys were Yet in spite of this enduring pres- ing they too were impoverished Afghans. This visible transporting used IMF ve- ence, in the long-term there is type of incident may unfortunately become hicles out of the city westwards, in likely to be a sufficiently strong more common in the future, as GOA and in- what appears to be the early stages and cohesive GOA and ANSF ternational oversight struggles to keep up with of physical exit. leadership in Jalalabad to prevent the sheer quantity of men under official and Some points on the subject of any major, systemic threats to the semi-official arms. political and security order in the transition are worth considering. More broadly, districts such as Chaparhar, Bati First, the armed opposition con- area of the provincial capital. However, while ANSF are quite Kot, Khogyani and a number of others along tinues to maintain an active pres- the southern border with Kurram Agency re- ence in the city and its environs, competent in Jalalabad itself, they remain physically and psychologi- main deeply problematic, their rural nature also and this is likely to be an enduring making the work of the security forces much fact of the security landscape in cally unprepared for such security responsibilities in the rural dis- more difficult than in the security force-laden central Nangarhar in 2012 and provincial capital. beyond. Indeed, with a new tricts to the south of the city, and Shadow Governor appointed for these areas are likely to remain The final point with regard to transition: the Jalalabad in December, reportedly very insecure for the foreseeable fact that the ANSF now have primary respon- because of the insufficiently ag- future. Some notable demonstra- sibilities for security in the city does not mean gressive campaign of his predeces- tions of ongoing rural insecurity that IMF will not conduct further night raids sor, we may see further pushes were recorded over the past fort- on high value targets, such as with the fatal this spring to expand a campaign night, the most significant being a raid on Sabar Lal Melma in September 2011, of targeting GOA and ANSF fig- VBIED attack on the Shinwar or with the more recent failed raid on the ures and facilities (although un- IMF-ANSF facility that serves as Zone 3 home of another senior Salafi figure on th likely to reach the scale of the the primary base for the southeast January 11 ; indeed it is highly likely that more HQN-assisted campaign in early of Nangarhar; 3 ANA soldiers of these raids will be seen, particularly against 2011). Some notable recent inci- were injured in the blast, which figures suspected of association with the non- dents demonstrating the ongoing also killed the driver of the vehi- IEA, transnational AOGs operating in Kunar active AOG campaign included a cle. Another incident, different in and Nuristan. form, was also recorded, which THE ANSO REPORT Page 16

NGO Incidents K UNAR Year to Date 0 KUNAR 100 This Report Period 0 Kunar was home to a number of 80 important incidents and develop- ment for its ALP programme. In 60 ments in the second half of Janu- the operation, IMF claimed 5 40 ary. First of all, with regards to AOG fighters and a female civil- 20 ian were killed, although others changes in force disposition, a 0 further ALP programme became claims (inaccurately, it appears) functional during the period, in the deceased were all civilians, Narang; similar programmes in which sparked a peaceful demon- KUNAR AOG KUNAR Crime Nurgal, Chawkay and Wata Pur stration in Asadabad 3 days later. are set to start soon, complement- From the AOG side, multiple this checkpoint in Gosalak remained opera- ing the existing ALP units that significant abductions, robberies tional, including during the daytime, as of the have been operating in Khas and kinetic events took place 31st, indicating the confidence of the armed Kunar over the past 18 months across the province, although ab- opposition groups operating in this strategical- and Sirkanay over the past 2 solute levels were down in line ly important corridor, and the limits of ANSF months. These programmes each with seasonal trends. The Pech and IMF influence deep in the Pech. Finally, involve approximately 300 armed Valley area was particularly active, sporadic fighting against IMF and ANSF pa- men acting as an auxiliary police with perhaps the biggest event the trol convoys also continued at a significant force, albeit without the right to mass abduction of 14 Nuristani th level over the past fortnight, with the only re- arrest, and are paid and directly ANP policemen on the 27 in ported injuries coming from civilians caught in managed by the Ministry of Interi- Lechalam, with tribal elder inter- the cross-fire. or. The primary objectives of the- vention causing them to be re- se programmes in Kunar, as men- leased in two batches over the Elsewhere, in Marawara 5 civilians were ab- tioned in December’s second bi- coming 48 hours – although not ducted, fate unknown, by gunmen reportedly weekly report, are to increase se- without each having to take an in retaliation for allegedly providing infor- curity along the Jalalabad- oath not to go back to their work mation to the IMF that led to airstrikes against Asadabad Highway, to prevent with the ANP. In response to this AOG locations on the 12th, and there were a AOG infiltration into the districts’ episode, Nuristani governmental number of other AOG direct attacks on IMF central valleys from outside (both representatives stated that if the and ANSF targets in the district, as there were from Pech to the west and Paki- situation in Pech, which has creat- in its southern neighbour Sirkanay. In Khas stan to the east), and perhaps also ed ongoing and significant diffi- Kunar, there were two separate IED incidents to buttress the positions of key culties for their isolated province, involving IMF vehicles, the first injuring one anti-AOG commanders and does not improve, the Nuristani soldier but the second on the 28th killing 2 and groups in these districts in ad- security forces would contemplate injuring 3 others, in an unusually effective vance of an IMF drawdown in operations of their own in Pech; strike. In the provincial capital the situation Kunar – which, though, remains while their problem is a real one, remained broadly quiet, with just one mortar some time away. The pro- it remains to be seen at the time attack on the PRT, a single shooting of a civil- grammes are likely to have a me- of writing whether this is anything ian in Kerala, and three armed attacks on dium-term positive impact on more than an empty threat, partic- ANP, in Nawabad and Shagai areas. Finally, in conflict levels in these districts, ularly as they are under-resourced Asmar a junior member of the High Peace although they may both attract as it is. Council, a Nuristani cleric, was abducted by an more AOG attacks in the short Earlier in the period, AOG fight- AOG on the 26th, and the group responsible, term, and raise levels of armed ers stopped and looted trucks identified as the Gujjar tribe’s contribution to predation against local communi- bringing food supplies to Nuri- the IEA, is reportedly using the cleric as lever- ties in the longer term. stan’s ANP in Manogai’s age to demand the release of a notable Gujjar prisoner – although if the individual is in GOA On the operational front, the only Wadagram area, while in Chapa nd or IMF custody remains unclear. IMF operation took place in Dara’s Gosalak on the 22 , a pri- Chawkay’s restive Dewagal valley, vately contracted food supply likely as part of the preparation of convoy was also stopped and that district’s security environ- looted by AOG fighters. Indeed, THE ANSO REPORT Page 17

NGO Incidents K HOST Year to Date 1 KHOST This Report Period 0 100 Khost saw a substantial increase 80 in the number of AOG-initiated so represents an important new area of risk for NGOs travelling 60 kinetic incidents in the past fort- 40 night, after a relatively quiet 6 in that area. Other IED incidents 20 weeks from the start of December took place a little further out of to mid-January. If the pattern the city. Most notably, in Ghu- 0 continues, which it should if it rumbi village, west of the city on the way to Sheikh Zahed Univer- follows that of previous years, KHOST AOG KHOST Crime then we have already returned to sity, a roadside IED detonated levels of AOG-initiated incidents prematurely, while behind Salerno IMF also continued an active operational tem- near the long-run average of ap- on the opposite side of the city, in po, focusing on clearing operations in and proximately 100 a month. The Kunday village, an IED struck an around the provincial capital, and in the key mild winters, the value that both IMF vehicle and injured 3 sol- districts of Sabari, Tere Zayi and Nadir Shah AOGs and the security forces diers. In Pirano village, also near Kot. In Khost city and the wider district, a place on Khost, and the ongoing Salerno, two IEDs were planted dozen AOG members were arrested across resilience of the HQN, remain next to a civilian residence for operations, including two HQN commanders. important factors driving the early unknown reasons, the first deto- In Sabari, 9 AOG members were arrested and start to the province’s intense nating and the second being dis- 4 killed, the killings resulting from two separate fighting season. covered by ANP responders. Oth- er IEDs were discovered in and airstrikes that interrupted IED emplacement. This period’s conflict activity re- around the above locations, as A similar airstrike killed 3 further AOG fight- mained primarily located in the well as one roadside IED in near ers in the Laken area of Khost while they were main battlefields of the province, the Melma Kot gardens. As a attempting to plant an IED, while another 3 that is: Khost city and its envi- result of this increasing presence were killed in the same circumstances in Nadir rons, the central districts of Sabari in the past month, ANSF have Shah Kot. Also in that district, IMF arrested 4 and Bak, and the border districts also remained active in attempting suspected AOG members – a district develop- of Tani, Gurbuz and Tere Zayi. to break down the AOG networks ment council member and 3 relatives – during First, in and around Khost city, in the provincial capital, conduct- a clearing operation, showing the blurred lines IEDs remained the central threat, ing significant numbers of raids of allegiance in rural districts such as this one. with a total of 8 detonations and 6 on residences around the city and Finally, in Bak a HQN commander and 6 oth- discoveries. Most noteworthy likely keeping AOG activities at a ers were arrested in another clearing operation. amongst them, two IEDs were level below what they otherwise Interestingly, IMF themselves reported an ele- detonated in Bilan Manzel, the would be. vated number of cases where search operations first a magnetic IED that dam- for specific AOG commanders did not led to Direct attacks were almost entirely aged a private truck transporting their capture, in what may be a sign of increas- restricted to border areas, includ- firewood for the IMF, and the ing security measures being used by the oppo- ing Gurbuz, Khost’s Laken, Tani second an RCIED placed in a sition as a result of the heavy and effective and Tere Zayi, although there was culvert that struck an IMF vehicle IMF campaign against the HQN command a brief exchange of fire with an as it travelled on a secondary road structure in the province over the past 12 IMF convoy near the Sabari DAC. in the area. These are the first months. IDF attacks were similarly distrib- recorded IED strikes against IMF uted, primarily affecting Tere Zayi and IMF-associated actors in Bi- border areas and the Sabari DAC lan Manzel, which is approximate- area. ly 1km east of the city centre, and THE ANSO REPORT Page 18

NGO Incidents L AGHMAN Year to Date 0 LAGHMAN 50 This Report Period 0 During the period, Qarghayi dis- 40 trict was also officially In Mehtarlam district, Palawan 30 Baba was home to the most seri- ‘transitioned’ from IMF to ANSF 20 responsibility. Almost 2 weeks ous incidents recorded; on the prior to the ceremony, two IEDs 16th an IED detonated close to an 10 had detonated in the Surkhakan ANP vehicle, although not strik- 0 area – one prematurely but one ing it, while more seriously, on the successfully striking an ANA vehi- 29th AOG fighters shot and killed cle, injuring 2 soldiers. Yet be- an ANA soldier. However, ANSF LAGHMAN AOG LAGHMAN Crime yond these incidents the Qarghayi were also active in Mehtarlam; in two separate operations, 9 AOG In Alishing, the first direct attack on the DAC stretch of the Highway has been in 2011 and 2012 took place, injuring 2 ANP relatively quiet recently, and much members were arrested on the 24th and 25th, while around the and 2 NDS officers, in a sign of AOG inten- safer than during the equivalent tions to step up their pressure on the small period in 2011. It thus appears same time ANP and NDS were reported to have gone to a num- GOA presence in the district’s centre. In Alin- that the district’s transition to a gar, an IED detonated against an ANSF con- relatively well-prepared ANSF will ber of villages in the environs of the capital with a list of suspects, voy, killing one ANP and injuring one ANA likely not face any major security soldier and one further ANP. That same day, challenges in the near-term, alt- informing them that they were under surveillance and any activi- ANP arrested two Pakistani doctors, seemingly hough there will likely be ongoing independent of the GOA or NGOs, in the low-level AOG activity in the ties against the GOA would cause the ANSF to act. Noralam area, who were accused of treating an Tangi Abrisham and Kheiro Khel AOG commander injured in an IMF airstrike areas. on the area on the 21st.

NGO Incidents AKTYA Year to Date 0 PAKTYA P 50 This Report Period 0 With Paktya remaining home to 40 extremely cold winter weather, the on the Dubai Hotel restaurant and 30 intensity of its conflict continued guesthouse in Gardez city, detain- 20 to be heavily subdued. Little ing one man; reportedly operating 10 on the information that he was a AOG activity was recorded during 0 this period, consistent with the BBIED operative, it appears in- substantial reduction in AOG stead that he was a high value fa- cilitator for the region’s primary presence due to the arrival of win- PAKTYA AOG PAKTYA Crime ter weather and temperatures in Arab armed opposition group, the past month, with the main reporting to the FATA-based leadership on developments in Jaji was the second district in which interesting operational tempo in this quieter events took place. ANP arrested an ALP po- season of the year resting with the Afghanistan. While his nationality remains unclear, with conflicting liceman for allegedly have connections to the ANSF and IMF, who conducted th reports that he is either Pakistani armed opposition on January 25 , in the first operations in Zurmat and Wuza recorded such case in Paktya since ALP pro- Zadran, Jaji and Gardez. These or from Paktika, the presence of such a figure in the southeast is a grammes were established in the northern bor- dynamics are likely to remain in der districts. However, it is easy to read too place for the coming 6-8 weeks. matter of note – particularly by indicating the nexus of the HQN much into this, as the underlying truth is that Yet in spite of a low conflict in- and the aforementioned Arab the growing number of ALP units across the tensity, some notable develop- AOG on both sides of the south- eastern region have simply made it evermore ments are worth exploring. Most eastern border. statistically probable that such connections significantly, in the early morning would also develop, as they have in the numer- of the 30th, IMF conducted a raid ically greater ANP and ANA. THE ANSO REPORT Page 19

S OUTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents ANDAHAR KANDAHAR K Year to Date 0 100

This Report Period 0 80 In the last fortnight, AOGs in Kandahar continued to focus on dan last year. This recent cam- 60 the targeted killings of civilian and paign is indicative of the sustained 40 GOA leaders, however it was yet capabilities of armed opposition, 20 another high-profile attack involv- as well as their ability to explore 0 ing suicide operatives that domi- security force vulnerabilities - in nated this reporting period. particular while in transit. It should be noted that while this On 19 January, an SVBIED deto- KANDAHAR AOG KANDAHAR Crime wave of suicide attacks does not nated against an IMF convoy as it change the NGO threat picture was approaching the main gate (with the latter remaining outside not change significantly in the last fortnight, as leading to the Kandahar Airfield of the AOG usual scope of tar- IED emplacement continued to affect mainly area. Much like the suicide attacks gets), as mentioned in the previ- Kandahar city (with 7 IED related incidents), recorded during the previous cy- ous report, it nevertheless demon- followed by Panjwayi, Zhari and Maywand cle, the incident involved numer- strates an increased risk of collat- districts. In addition to districts 5 and 9 of ous civilian casualties. Although eral involvement from such inci- Kandahar City, a concentration of IEDs has the intended target was an IMF dents. been observed in District 8 (with 3 devices) convoy, the attack occurred in the and 4 (with 2, including the only detonation early afternoon and along the of- In Kandahar city, the AOG cam- reported this period within the city). paign of targeted killings also con- ten frequented Kandahar – Spin Similar to last year’s trends, ANSF/IMF con- Boldak Highway, resulting in 6 tinued this period. In the last two weeks, 5 AOG initiated targeted tinue to maintain a high tempo of operations civilians killed and another 10 during the winter season. At least 22 opera- people wounded (incl. 9 civilians) attacks occurred within the city, resulting in 1 ANP wounded and tions were recorded this period, primarily in as well as damages to a number of the areas of AOG concentration such as Kan- vehicles in the vicinity. the deaths of 2 Council members (from Panjwayi and Dand), an dahar, Maywand, Panjwayi and Zhari. Alt- In regards to Kandahar Province, ANP officer (also from Dand) hough security forces have achieved some op- this incident marks the 5th suicide and a local female (the details of erational successes recently, as (for instance) attack recorded already in January the latter incident remain unclear, with the arrest of 10 AOG members in Kanda- alone. Kandahar and Helmand however anecdotal reporting sug- har City or a significant ratio of IED recov- have shown an increased rate of gests a possible association with ery/disposals, at this stage there is no indica- suicide attacks of late, although it GOA as the motive behind the tion that the province will experience a season- should be noted that the province killing). al break in activities given the strategic im- experienced a similar suicide at- portance of the area for parties involved in the tack campaign shortly after Rama- Other AOG tactical patterns have conflict.

NEW STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT ANSO SOUTH OFFICE: We are pleased to announce that the vacancies in our South office have now been filled and that shortly the office will once again be operating at full capacity. Mr. Mohibullah will be taking over the South Counterpart position while Mr. Peter Dimitroff (a former South RSA of whom many will be familiar with) will be returning to us in order to fulfill that role. Once they are instu and fully operational email notices will be issued and any questions or concerns you have about the Southern Region will be responded to accordingly. We wish them the best of luck in their endeavors. THE ANSO REPORT Page 20

NGO Incidents P AKTIKA Year to Date 0 PAKTIKA 100 This Report Period 0 Similar to Paktya, Paktika is heavi- 80 ly affected by the harsh winter to the killing of two of the AOG 60 environment that the mountain- attackers. Approximately 2 hours 40 ous and isolated province attracts later, and roughly 1km away in the 20 each year, pushing AOG activity Darya Khan area, a further gun 0 down dramatically from its ex- battle took place between 2 armed treme summer peaks. However, BBIED operatives and an ANA reflecting the generally much convoy, which appears to have PAKTIKA AOG PAKTIKA Crime more violently contested nature of recognised the hostile nature of the strategically important prov- the attackers and initiated the ex- were not reported to have caused any casual- ince, and the prevalence of IDF change. One of the vests was ties or damage. forms of attack there, even struck by a bullet and caused it to through the winter AOG presence detonate, killing both attackers The remaining AOG incidents were also nearly and operations remain at a signifi- and wounding a passing civilian. all IDF attacks, almost exclusively in Dila and cant level – both in terms of the This is the latest significant inci- Gayan, although there were also 2 IED deto- number of incidents, and in the dence of insecurity in Barmal, nations that successfully struck their IMF vehi- enduring occurrence of complex which remains one of the most cle targets in Dila, in each case involving a sec- attacks. dangerous places in the country, ondary device that was discovered and de- including in terms of the number fused. The only direct attacks took place in In this regard, the two most sig- of BBIED and VBIED opera- Mata Khan and Yousef Khel districts, 2 in the nificant incidents that occurred in tions that come in from Waziri- former and 1 in the latter, and targeted ANSF the province did so on the same stan and take place there; during and PSC convoys. day, January 21st, within 1km of 2011 there were 3 VBIED and 1 each other in the restive Barmal IMF operational tempo was low, consistent BBIED attacks in Barmal alone. district which shares a border and with the winter environment, with just 7 oper- It is, moreover, the second time tribal linkages with the Pakistani ations recorded in all. Across them, taking that this RCC has been attacked in agency of South Waziristan. Early place in Dila, Sar Hawza, Jani Khel and Shara- the past 12 months; in March that morning in the Nawe Adda na, just 5 AOG fighters were detained and 2011 a complex attack involving a area of Margha, just on the rural small weapons caches retrieved, in stark con- truck VBIED levelled the RCC’s side of its main bazaar, a road trast to the usually highly deadly consequences compound buildings, killing 24 construction company (RCC) from IMF operations during the fighting sea- and injuring 60 more. The other convoy, which seems to have pri- son. incidents in the district, in the marily comprised its PSC detail, DAC and Shkin areas, were IDF was attacked with SAF and RPGs, attacks on IMF facilities, which with the exchange of fire leading

ANSO STAFF CONTACT DETAILS: Please note that a full listing of the contact details for all ANSO staff is provided on the last page of this report. THE ANSO REPORT Page 21

NGO Incidents U RUZGAN Year to Date 0 URUZGAN This Report Period 0 50 After a busy reporting period pri- 40 or to this one, Uruzgan has expe- Whereas no AOG direct attacks 30 rienced a significant decrease in were reported across the province, the overall incident volumes over IED emplacement, as well as in- 20 the past two weeks. Although the stances of targeted killings, domi- 10 final figures may change following nated this reporting period in 0 the capture of late reporting, the Uruzgan. In the last fortnight, current data shows that the prov- AOG IED activity was focused URUZGAN AOG URUZGAN Crime ince recorded a combined 11 inci- on Tirin Kot District with at least dents, of which 4 were authored 6 recorded incidents, of which 2 reported from Dihrawud District. On 16 Jan- by AOGs. In counterpoint, the devices detonated. Noteworthy uary, an NDS employee was killed in Ismael conclusive figures for the previous amongst these, an IED detonated Agha Village. In the same area, though several cycle indicate that Uruzgan saw a on an ANP foot patrol in Jalabi hours later, AOG shot and killed an ALP combined 40 incidents during the area, killing one ANP. Another member. first two weeks of January, with IED – emplaced in the vicinity of Besides 3 IEDs disposals, the province saw 12 of them attributed to AOGs. an ANP check point in Tirin Kot only a handful of documented ANSF/IMF city - detonated prematurely, with The sharp drop reported this peri- operations in Chora and Tirin Kot, which no reported casualties. od reflects less favourable weather nonetheless resulted in 9 AOG members de- conditions recorded across the AOG intimidation efforts mani- tained and 1 killed. province as well as a seasonal fested themselves with 2 separate break in activities. cases of targeted killings, both

NGO Incidents Z ABUL Year to Date 0 ZABUL 100 This Report Period 0 AOG operations in Zabul were 80 minimal this reporting period, and the Bazaar area (on 18 and 24 Jan- 60 consisted of IED deployment and uary). 40

2 cases of direct attacks. Four Only 2 AOG direct attacks were 20

IED related incidents were rec- recorded this period, with 1 oc- 0 orded across the province, sug- curring in Shahjoy (where an gesting that AOG activity is in- AOG attacked an ANP post, deed limited at the moment. wounding 1 ANP) and another in ZABUL AOG ZABUL Crime Amongst these incidents, only one Naw Bahar, where a small arms device detonated, however it did attack took place in the DAC area. resulted in the seizure of a small amount of cause casualties. On 17 January in Whereas in the last fortnight the weapons and ammunition, as well as the deten- Mizan District, an RCIED struck province experienced only a hand- tion of 7 suspects. an ANA vehicle while travelling ful of AOG authored incidents, As is frequently the case in the province, safety through Muqurak area. The deto- ANSF/IMF operations accounted issues—and more precisely road incidents— nation claimed the life of 1 ANA for the majority of security events continue to play an important role and caused soldier, and caused injuries to an- (although still demonstrating a numerous casualties amongst the population. other. Besides Mizan, IED dis- downturn trend in volume). Illustrating this point, this reporting period (in coveries were reported in Tarnak In the last two weeks these opera- Sangar Manda area of Tarnak Wa Jaldak,) a Wa Jaldak and in Shahjoy, where 2 tions were focused on Qalat and local Saracha vehicle collided with a fuel tank- devices were located during two Tarnak Wa Jaldak districts, and er, wounding 6 local civilians. separate incidents reported from THE ANSO REPORT Page 22

NGO Incidents G HAZNI Year to Date 0 GHAZNI This Report Period 0 50 In the last two weeks Ghazni ex- 40 perienced a decrease in overall some minor damage but no casu- incident volumes, which most alties) and in Qarabagh against 30 likely was related to the harsh cli- another IMF base located in the 20 DAC area. matic conditions and heavy snow- 10 In Ghazni City (where the official falls reported throughout the 0 province. This period, difficult ceremony of the transition was weather conditions in particular held during the previous period) a GHAZNI AOG GHAZNI Crime affected the districts of Nawur, group of 20 AOG fighters operat- ing in Dih Yak joined the GOA Jaghatu, Jaghuri, Malistani, operations in Ghazni, Dih Yak and Gelan, through the peace and reconcilia- Ajristan and Giro. which resulted in 3 AOG killed (incl. a mid- tion program and handed over Although limited in number, level commander in Gelan) and another 2 ar- AOG direct and indirect attacks their weapons during an official rested. Besides weapons and ammunition sei- event in the Governor’s com- were focused on the districts of zures, an air strike was reported in Muqur de- pound on the 16th. The event is Ghazni, Gelan, Andar, Qarabagh stroying AOG VHF equipment. Most signifi- worthy to underline, as not only is and Rashidan. In the last fort- cantly on the security forces side was the night the province saw at least 8 it highly unusual for the area, but ground operation supported by air assets that also because local sources raised AOG initiated direct attacks, allowed ANSF/IMF to recapture the district doubts in regards as to whether which - in addition to ANSF and centre of Nawa (on the 23rd) that had been the group was composed of genu- IMF installations – targeted the under AOG total control over the past four district centres of Rashidan (on 2 ine AOG fighters or whether years. occasions), then Gelan and Zana there were alternate narratives, which would result in no real im- The recapture of the DAC area of Nawa seems Khan (1 each). AOG rocket at- to be another sign of concentration of military tacks continued in the Gelan pact on the security paradigm in the province. efforts on populated areas such as district cen- DAC area against the IMF base tres (for all parties involved in the conflict) but ANSF/IMF were active this peri- (with the projectiles impacting also an attempt to re-establish the GOA pres- inside the base perimeter, causing od, with at least 11 documented ence in district.

NGO Incidents N IMROZ Year to Date 0 NIMROZ This Report Period 0 100 ANSF/IMF operations and cases 80 of what appears to be targeted geted killings in the past, which killings were featured this report- were mainly related to business or 60 ing period in Nimroz. family disputes. Although the 40 victims of these recent cases were In Ghor Ghori city, a local civilian 20 GOA employees, the incidents, was killed by unknown armed according to local sources, appear 0 men in the Bazaar area (allegedly to be related to criminal activity over a family dispute), and 2 simi- rather than the result of genuine NIMROZ AOG NIMROZ Crime lar incidents were reported in AOG activity or political target- Zaranj City involving ANSF per- ing. support base). These operations resulted in sonnel. On 16 January, an NDS the reported deaths of 7 AOG fighters and the employee was shot dead in Dost As mentioned previously, destruction of an IED making facility. Also Mohammad area, while an ANP ANSF/IMF operations continued noteworthy, one of these operations caused a official was wounded by small throughout this period, and not reported 3 civilian fatalities (in Khair Abad arms fire 6 days later also in the surprisingly, these continued to be Village) and subsequently triggered a moder- city. focused on the most unstable dis- ately sized demonstration against frequently trict of Nimroz – Khash Rod Similar to other southern areas, IMF night raids, which have been the subject (which is also frequently used by Zaranj had already experienced of frequent demonstrations and frustration AOGs active in Helmand as a cases (although sporadic) of tar- across the country. Contact List Mukhtar Mohibullah Nic Tomas Vacant Naseer Nathan Brian COUNTRY CENTRAL Sayed Taro WEST SOUTH Rory EAST NORTH Firoz Camille Patrick ‐ od Device Islamic mili Explosive Police ACG Pro

/

Lee

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Armed Yamagata Brown

Government REGION

Laguardia

REGION / Karim

[email protected]

‐ ‐

/ Muzik ‐

Emirate

Malach REGION

REGION ANP Ronaldson Tanchoux

‐ / IMF ‐ [email protected] [email protected] Private [email protected]

REGION Device DC

MANAGEMENT [email protected] ‐

‐ ‐ Criminal ‐ ‐ ‐ Afghan Interna ‐ District [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] OFFICE

OFFICE ‐

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‐

OFFICE

OFFICE Security [email protected] / [email protected] [email protected]

‐

Afghanistan OFFICE PDO Mili ‐ [email protected]

[email protected] Na Group Centre

(JALALABAD)

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Company

/ (KABUL)

(KABUL) Military APRP

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AEF Police GOA

(Taliban)

Development ‐ ‐

‐ Afghan Afghan

‐

‐

‐

Forces / Government 0799

0796

/ RPG 077

‐

AOG ‐ ‐ 0799

/ ‐

0799 ‐

0799

‐

408

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Armed ‐ NDS 0799 ‐

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248 0797

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