THE ANSO REPORT Page 1

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

Issue 88 REPORT 16‐31 December 2011 Index COUNTRY SUMMARY Central Region 1-3 December has concluded with the likeli- a relatively steady level of activity, though 4-6 Northern Region hood that this month will break a 5 year this is in part due to a reorientation to- Western Region 7-8 trend in which the years ‘valley’ in AOG wards Jalalabad, a dynamic also seen this attributed incidents typically exceeds the time last year with efforts primarily focused Eastern Region 9-12 years previous. At the time of writing, this on an IED campaign. months volume accounts for a 36% de- Southern Region 13-16 With a single NGO incident reported this crease in comparison with 2010 (see graph ANSO Info Page 17 period, December has concluded with the p.12). Beyond the standard seasonal im- lowest monthly NGO incident volume this pacts, there are numerous factors that have year (see graph p.11), a typical dynamic as led to this, including a sustained focus by this month is traditionally one of the least HIGHLIGHTS international military forces on key AOG active for the NGO community. Of operational areas, efforts that in turn are course, there is an argument to be made  Years lowest AOG inci‐ part of the broader strategic dynamics in- about the correlational relationship be-

dent volumes volving transition and withdrawal. In addi- tween conflict volumes and NGO inci- tion, opposition forces have likely exhaust- dents as the summer months account for Years lowest NGO inci‐ ed their tactical capacity after engaging ear- the peaks of both figures. However, one dent volumes lier and stronger than is typical (with March must also take into consideration the fact of this year marking the first surge in activi- that the warmer months allow for greater IED acvity within Jala‐ ty as opposed to gradual increase leading to labad access, leading to a higher level of NGO a September peak in 2010) and maintaining movements and therefore increasing expo- record activity levels throughout the peak sure. The incident reported, from Farah in season. As well, in many provinces the the West, involved the abduction of a staff senior AOG leadership have departed for a member in transit and fits with that prov- winter break, likely in part to engage in the inces NGO incident trending this year, as ANSO is supported by planning process for the coming years op- 3 out of the 4 incidents from this province erations; the culmination of which would involved this type of event. be similar to this years Operation Badr. In addition, the first step in what appears to In light of the above, 2012 is likely to open be a forthright effort towards a relevant with a relatively low volume of manifested peace process are in motion (including the insecurity, in line with seasonal trends. opening of an IEA ‘embassy’ in Qatar), However, whether IMF/ANSF will be able though how this will play out, and to what to maintain this decrease into March and level it will impact the operational environ- April, in order to support their mandate to ment, remains to be seen. transition security from IMF to the GOA, remains to be seen. While intelligence driv- While the downturn in AOG activity has en IMF/ANSF operations are likely to in- been evident in most areas, particularly in crease—as may IMF/AOG cooperation— the overtly volatile South, some areas, such in order to demonstrate a secure Afghani- as Faryab and Sar-E Pul in the North and stan, 2011 has been an exceptionally vola- Ghor in the West, have been less affected tile year—December aside—and there is and have maintained more consistent, albe- little to guarantee that 2012 wont follow a it low, levels of AOG activity. In addition, similar deterioration. Nangarhar in the East has also maintained

ANSO is a project of the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), a registered charity in England & Wales no.1140276 and a company limited by guarantee no.7496737 THE ANSO REPORT Page 1

C ENTRAL REGION

ABUL NGO Incidents KABUL K Year to Date 10 50 This Report Period 0 As is the case throughout Central, 40 there was little of note to report dent elements involved responded 30 this period. At the time of writing with a fair amount of weapons 20 a single AOG incident was report- fire, both out of confusion and 10

ed involving the destruction of a fears that a complex attack was 0 power station in Surobi. ANP under way. search and seizure operations, of Also in the criminal realm, an at- both drugs and weapons, account- tempted robbery of a money ex- KABUL AOG KABUL Crime ed for the largest volume of inci- changer, also in PD 5, resulted in dents by type. There were also 2 his death and the wounding of a ar Province and has since been transferred into IED discoveries, the first in second individual who attempted the hands of an associated cross-border based Qarabagh and the second in Pa- to intercede. The 2 armed indi- AOG (involving a possible transaction of ghman. viduals responsible managed to money), ostensibly for the purposes of infor- Criminal acts in the city however escape the scene. mation gathering due to this individuals accounted for the most significant Finally, the abduction of the for- knowledge of various senior governmental incidents, including a drive by mer Attorney General in Chahar officials. While the veracity of this report can- shooting of the District 4 NDS Asyab on 6 October remains not be verified, one must also factor in the Chiefs’ vehicle and a grenade at- pending. Recent information sug- reality that this individual was unpopular in tack against the District 5 ANP gests that he was in fact abducted certain circles due to his anti-corruption stance HQ. Of note, in this latter inci- by an AOG operating out of Log- while in office.

NGO Incidents KAPISA K APISA Year to Date 3 50 This Report Period 0 40 Kapisa was also considerably quiet, with only 4 incidents reported one was an IED discovery and the 30 this period. The single AOG inci- second an arrest of an armed indi- 20 dent, involving an IED detona- vidual. 10 tion that damaged a bridge in Ko- Past trending suggests that this 0 histan, occurred along the low level of incident reporting will Mahmudi Raqi-Kohistan main continue at least until the spring of 2012, and will also likely con- road. The remainder of incidents, KAPISA AOG KAPISA Crime attributed to security forces, oc- tinue to be concentrated in the curred in either Alasay (1 IDF aforementioned districts. incident targeting AOG) or Tagab (2, both in Gada Khel). Of these,

NOTICE: The graphs provided in the report are accurate as of the 28th of December 2011. THE ANSO REPORT Page 2

NGO Incidents an exercise in the projection of force; an effort P ANJSHIR Year to Date 2 to prove they can strike anywhere in the coun- This Report Period 0 try. However, due to the particularities of Pan- Panjshir has concluded the year jshir, such events are likely to remain outliers much as it began, with little of mains political and/or interper- and exceedingly rare in their occurrence. With note occurring. Considering the sonal disputes, though the com- the looming presidential elections (slated for total of 13 events recorded this plex attack against the PRT in 2014), political intrigue will probably continue year, the last being a narcotics mid-October unequivocally de- to be the key dynamic in the coming year, seizure on the 24th of November, notes the most significant event though this is also likely to continue to have this dearth of activity is not sur- for 2011. This is primarily due to only a limited impact on the relatively benign prising as the province remains its unprecedented scope, though NGO operating environment. the most consistently stable in the the fact that it occurred at all is of country. The primary driver be- as much import. As detailed in hind the incidents recorded re- the IEA claim, this was primarily

B AMYAN NGO Incidents BAMYAN Year to Date 1 50 This Report Period 0 40 Arrests involving AOG leadership 30 associated with this province pro- pointed Bamyan Provincial Shad- vided the key security dynamic ow Governor (PSG) was also ar- 20 this period. rested, though this arrest occurred 10 The arrest by ANP of an AOG in the Northern Region. The ex- 0 commander in Kahmard, identi- act location is unknown at present as reports conflict, however it fied as being from Tala Wa Barfak BAMYAN AOG BAMYAN Crime in Baghlan, furthers previous as- seems most likely that he was tak- sessments that much of the recent en while in transit through activity has been authored by ex- Baghlan—though it is possible the AOG activity is traditionally so low in this ogenous AOG elements. In addi- trip originated in Mazar—and was province one would be hard pressed to assess tion, and possible related to apparently destined for Kahmard. the impact this new commander would have Baghlan as well, the newly ap- However, it is worth noting that had on the existing security paradigm.

NGO Incidents DAYKUNDI D AYKUNDI Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 40 Daykundi exists as a rarity in that it is one province which has not solve this issue, of late having a 30 reported a single NGO incident meeting with the head of the 20 ALP. Of note, a tentative agree- this year. Also rare, there was an 10 IED discovery in Kajran this peri- ment was reached to allow for 0 od, the last occurring on the 14th greater coordination which would of November, also in Kajran. limit the chances of ‘mistaken identity’ (apparently the lack of A key concern of late has been the uniforms is a cause of concern) DAYKUNDI AOG DAYKUNDI Crime ongoing feud between the ANP and would also allow for greater and ALP, primarily in the Tama- freedom of movement for both out operationally will have to be seen consider- zan Valley. Following a clash in sides. While this marks a step in ing that there are broader dynamics related to the last period, the Provincial the right direction, how this plays this issue. Governor has taken steps to re- THE ANSO REPORT Page 3

NGO Incidents P ARWAN Year to Date 4 PARWAN 50 This Report Period 0 As there has been little snow this 40 year there has been limited impact currence and one that failed to 30 result in any casualties or damage. on the trafficability of the Salang 20 Pass. Thus far vehicle access has This marks the 16th such attack 10 been decent, although this—as this year, most of which occur always—is subject to change de- during the evening hours. 0 pending on the conditions. The ALP program in Parwan is also steadily expanding, with re- From a conflict perspective, the PARWAN AOG PARWAN Crime only incident of note to occur pots indicating that both the Dis- during this report period was an tricts of Shinwari and Ghorband now host up to 70 ALP personnel group in Ghorband are primarily tasked with indirect fire attack against Bagram securing the Ghorband road. Airfield, a common enough oc- respectively. Not surprisingly, the

ARDAK NGO Incidents WARDAK W Year to Date 4 100

This Report Period 0 80 The reporting of little AOG activity this period may be the result of use of IEDs should be expected. 60 IEA senior leadership having left Despite local efforts to resolve the 40 for warmer climes during the pre- ongoing IEA/HIG conflict, this 20 vious period. The sole AOG at- dynamic is likely to continue into 0 tack, against a PSC convoy along 2012. While the IEA is reported Hwy 1, was accompanied by vari- to have a stronger presence, HIG ous IED discoveries by security elements continue to dominate WARDAK AOG WARDAK Crime forces, primarily of the pressure the high ground making it exceed- plate variety. As the ability of ingly difficult for the IEA to dis- operations and arrests. AOG elements to directly engage lodge them. This is despite the security forces is limited, a contin- fact that HIG capacity has been ued, or expanded, focus on the further eroded by security force

NGO Incidents L OGAR Year to Date 8 LOGAR This Report Period 0 50 As was the case throughout the deaths of opposition fighters. 40 Central Region, Logar noted a 30 considerable drop in overall inci- There was also a large scale ANP dent reporting this period. In operation in Muhammad Agha in 20 comparison with the last, incident which a small cache was seized. 10 volumes were nearly half those of On the AOG side, an attack 0 early December. against the ANP in Khushi on the 25th was the most significant, However, this period the initiative LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime was clearly on the side of the se- resulting in the death of an ANP along with two others wounded. curity forces. Various operations cess of setting up a checkpoint along the main resulted in IED discoveries, ar- Finally, in Puli Alam, ANP en- road. rests, as well as more kinetic en- gaged a criminal element, appar-

gagements which resulted in the ently while they were in the pro- THE ANSO REPORT Page 4

N ORTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents T AKHAR Year to Date 3 TAKHAR 50 This Report Period 0 Out of the 7 security incidents 40 recorded in Takhar this period, 4 to the potential for further Ja- 30 occurred in Taloqan, including a miat/Junbesh issues, thus far re- 20 notable IED detonation on De- ports suggest that the blast is be- 10 cember 25th (1415 hours) against ing assessed by locals as the work 0 Mutalib Bik—the Jamiat affiliated of AOGs. At this time, sources Parliament Member (PM)—as he believe that the blast was a TAKHAR AOG TAKHAR Crime was attending the funeral of a rel- BBIED conducted by an individu- ative in the Konjak area to the al with strong IMU ties, and no demonstration violence. north of Taluqan City. Mutalib follow-on Jamiat/Junbesh ten- The blast itself killed 16—including the PM— Bik was not only one of the pri- sions have arisen. In fact, one of and injured approximately 60 others, marking mary powerbrokers in Takhar, he Bik’s greatest adversaries—a well the highest casualty count for an IED detona- and his sons were also part of the known Junbesh powerbroker tion in Takhar this year. Outside of this inci- driving forces behind the demon- named Abdul Malik—spoke at the dent, another IED was discovered and re- strations that occurred May 18th funeral, strongly condemning the moved from the same area just prior to this on and 19th following an IMF night act and demanding that the perpe- the 23rd. Taloqan has generally suffered pri- raid that turned to violence and trators be brought to justice. marily from criminal insecurity, with AOG arrests. Those demonstrations, While it is premature to determine initiated incidents such as this and the May although initiated by the noted whether this will pass without assassination of General Daoud being notable raid, turned into an arena where causing further political friction, it outliers. At this time, the above attack is con- strong Jamiat vs Junbesh tensions should be noted that no kickback sidered an attack of opportunity and does not played out. While the assassina- occurred when General Daoud necessarily suggest a new trend. tion of a strong Jamiat leader was killed on May 28th, just over opens the door for speculation as a week past the previously noted

NGO Incidents F ARYAB Year to Date 12 FARYAB This Report Period 0 50 Although 17 security incidents in 40 Faryab demonstrate a significant incidents. Notable amongst these 30 volume of manifested insecurity, it were the abduction of a civilian in 20 also represents—dependent on Pashtun Kot and the discovery of 10 late reporting—a 25% or greater an IED in a culvert near a school 0 drop in incident reporting when in Qaysar. Also of note to NGOs travelling the Shibirghan – May- compared to any of the last 5 peri- FARYAB AOG FARYAB Crime ods (October 1-December 15). mana road, incidents occurred in northern Faryab, most notably in This shows that the province, as in Shirin Tagab District at 1900 on the 21st. while still active, may be witness- Dawlatabad and Qaramqol, with some of them involving the ring While the 3 incidents do not denote a new ing the beginning of a winter lull trend, nor any shift to the existing paradigm— much akin to the other Northern road. The Jungal area bordering these 2 districts has been the most especially considering the fact that 2 of them Provinces. Unsurprisingly, involved evening attacks against ANP static Qaysar, Almar, and Pashtun Kot active in that area, and was the site of a daytime IED detonation positions—insecurity along the main road is remain—and are expected to con- always worth monitoring,. and should more tinue to be—the epicentre of inse- against a private truck (Qaramqol, 23 December), but elsewhere, an daytime attacks against non- curity within the province, com- GOA/IMF/ANSF elements occur, further bining to account for 11 of the 17 AOG attacked an ANP CP on the main road in Dawlatabad as well analysis may be necessary. THE ANSO REPORT Page 5

NGO Incidents B ALKH Year to Date 11 BALKH 50 This Report Period 0 Balkh recorded an exceptionally 40 low volume of manifested insecu- Karzai spoke to open media 30 rity this reporting period. With sources about CIPs (a project 20 which is specific to the North and only 6 security incidents reported, 10 the most notable were 2 outlier has already been initiated in Balkh 0 incidents; an ACG robbery of (Chimtal and Chahar Bolak), and private vehicles in Khulm along parts of Jawzjan, Faryab, and the Khulm – Qalay Zal road at Kunduz). The president claimed BALKH AOG BALKH Crime 1800 on the 20th, and the shoot- no prior knowledge of the CIP ing of an ex-parliament candi- project, and stated a clear inten- insecurity where it has been implemented— date—and former head of the tion to shut them down, although although one correlating with the coming of CDC—in the Toqi area of Shorte- at the time of writing, no such winter—and it has been a source of revenue pa. Neither Shortepa nor Khulm plan had begun, and the project for those involved. In the long term, it will be regularly record a strong volume maintains a budget through US important to see how the GOA, should it shut of insecurity, and both incidents IMF forces until at least Septem- down these projects, deals with the armed above are considered relative out- ber 2012. Shutting down the CIP groups that now feel like legitimate “land own- liers to the existing security para- project could have a significant ers” in contested areas. This is likely to be digm (although the majority of effect on short and long term se- largely dependent on whether the program is those that do occur in Shortepa curity in the province. Although shut down, renamed, turned over to the Minis- District happen in the Toqi area). it remains a strongly criticized try of Interior, or otherwise handled. It is too program due to the lack of vet- early to properly assess what is likely to occur, Of further significance to the gen- ting, training, oversight, and its as thus far there have only been press sound eral security paradigm in the prov- potential to play into existing con- bites and no actual plan for the groups’ DDR. ince, the railroad conducted a trial flict dynamics, in the short term, run from Hairatan, and President there has been a notable lull in

NGO Incidents S AR- E PUL Year to Date 4 SAR‐E PUL This Report Period 0 50 Although witnessing only 7 secu- 40 rity incidents this reporting peri- note to this, the incident occurred 30 od, Sar-e Pul illustrated some no- outside of normal NGO travel 20 table dynamics, especially with the hours and no political rhetoric 10 4 AOG initiated incidents that was involved. 0 occurred in Sar-e Pul District. Reports have surfaced that AOGs Exceptional amongst these were are moving more freely through SAR‐E PUL AOG SAR‐E PUL Crime the abduction (and eventual re- the southern districts of the prov- lease) of an NDS member and his ince, up from Kohisintat into Soz- of Sar-e Pul and the Deputy Governor that friend from the Shiram area on ma Qala and Sangcharak, alt- previously resulted in a large demonstration the 16th, and the distribution of hough there was only 1 noted in- against the governor. This may become a night letters demanding religious cident in any of these districts, more sensitive issue as the province is likely to Usher (taxes) in Boghavi and Tai- when an IED prematurely deto- receive more attention regionally and country- mani villages on the 27th. Out- nated in Doaba village wide with the recently signed oil-deal between side of these 4, an ACG stopped (Sangcharak) on the evening of China and Afghanistan that involves Sar-e Pul and robbed at least 5 private vehi- the 24th. and Faryab Provinces. cles along the Shibirghan – Sar-e Lastly, there has yet to be a publi- Pul road (also in Sar-e Pul Dis- cally acknowledged decision on trict) on the 25th at 1900. Of the issues involving the Governor THE ANSO REPORT Page 6

NGO Incidents B AGHLAN Year to Date 1 BAGHLAN This Report Period 0 50 Baghlan continues to show a rela- 40 tively high volume of incident dents. In fact, other than an ACG 30 reporting, with all of the security setting fire to a telecommunica- 20 tions tower and an interpersonal incidents this period occurring in 10 dispute between civilians, all rec- just 3 districts: Baghlani Jadid (5), 0 Puli Khumri(4), and Tala Wa orded security incidents were initiated by GOA or IMF (although 2 Barfak (2). This is a slight de- BAGHLAN AOG BAGHLAN Crime crease from the previous period of the incidents in Baghlani Jadid involved the discovery and dis- (14), but more notably, the PRP remain relatively active throughout the winter, had 2 IED detonations while the arming of IEDs). Anecdotal reports suggest that AOGs continue with activity routinely fluctuating between majority of the current incidents GOA/IMF and AOG initiated operations. were initiated by IMF, ANSF, or to move throughout Baghlan, and ANP, with no AOG initiated inci- it is likely that the province will

NGO Incidents KUNDUZ K UNDUZ Year to Date 2 50 This Report Period 0 IMF/ANSF/ANP operations 40 dominated the security paradigm sessed abduction of a civilian in 30 in Kunduz this reporting period, Imam Sahib on the 21st. Kunduz 20 accounting for 11 of the 13 securi- District in particular was the site 10 ty incidents (which marks a nota- of a some significant discoveries 0 bly low total for the province). and arrests that spanned the end Kunduz (3), Khanabad (3), and of the PRP into the beginning of KUNDUZ AOG KUNDUZ Crime Imam Sahib (4) were the focal this one. These included the arrest of 2 AOG members along points of activity, with the only 2 ing that AOGs still are looking to conduct op- with 2 would-be BBIEDs late on incidents initiated by non- erations throughout the winter, despite the the evening of the 15th in PD#2, GOA/IMF related entities being usual lull, to demonstrate their ability and en- and the discovery of an IED em- an AOG attack on a pro- sure that their presence remains felt amongst placed near the Shinwari Hotel government militia checkpoint in GOA/IMF elements and the local population. Aliabad, and the criminally as- (PD#1) on the 16th, demonstrat-

NGO Incidents S AMANGAN Year to Date 0 SAMANGAN This Report Period 0 50 Aside from a relatively unexcep- 40 tional 4 security incidents record- of Aybak, and was attended by 30 VIPs from the Northern Region ed throughout Samangan prov- 20 and Kabul, but—like transitions ince—with no 2 occurring in the 10 that occurred elsewhere (such as same district—the most notable 0 development in Samangan was a in Mazar) earlier in the year—it passed without significant inci- ceremony that took place in the SAMANGAN AOG SAMANGAN Crime ANP HQ of Aybak on December dent. 29th marking the official transi- Samangan has steadily recorded groups in Dara-I Suf Payin with an intention tion of security for the province the least manifested insecurity of to target GOA elements, but no such attack from IMF to ANSF. The cere- any province in the region, and occurred, and these threats remain generally mony was marked by an increased the transition is not expected to consistent with previously existing dynamics. security posture around the city have any immediate effects on the and the roads leading into and out existing security paradigm. Out- side of this, reports surfaced of THE ANSO REPORT Page 7

W ESTERN REGION

NGO Incidents G HOR Year to Date 16 GHOR 50 This Report Period 0 This reporting period, Ghor host- 40 ed only 3 relatively insignificant check post resulting in the death 30 AOG incidents, a significant drop of 3 AOG members and wounds 20 compared to the number which to another and 3 ANP officers 10 irregularly increased against sea- (ANP who were reportedly 0 sonal trends the PRP. The most aligned with the MP). Another likely cause of this sharp down- cause of the recent decrease ap- turn was that in Taywara the el- pears to have been the move- GHOR AOG GHOR Crime ders’ intervention - though likely a ments of AOG back into Hel- recorded. temporary solution – mitigated mand. The activity of these ideo- the existing tensions between the logical, and Helmand associated, In Shahrak (another district typically affected former local commander (and groups is a regular driver of inse- by conflict among local commanders) one of MP) and his rival AOG com- curity and their absence will be the most prominent local commanders of the mander (who is allied with Hel- reflected in lower incident vol- area attacked a recently constructed private mandi groups). The AOG com- umes. Further, activity of AOGs telecommunication tower and burned a private mander released an ANP officer, in Charsada under the Deputy vehicle. Prior to this, the commander de- reportedly a supporter of the MP, Provincial Shadow Governor, manded the telecommunications company pay following negotiations by elders. another stronghold of ideological tribute for permission to use the tower, and it Despite this, the low intensity ten- AOG, appears to have been con- is likely that he used these intimidations in or- sion will likely continue as the strained by the deepening winter, der to maintain influence by demonstrating AOG commander’s supporters as only one AOG incident was and exerting power over the area (though afterwards attacked an ANP mainly limited to the northeast of the district).

NGO Incidents H ERAT Year to Date 8 HERAT 50 This Report Period 0 While seasonal trends continued 40 to play a major role in maintaining the southwest of Injil, where 30 AOG had gradually been gaining low AOG activity levels, with only 20 5 relatively insignificant AOG access for the past two months, as 10 incidents recorded this period, the increase of ANSF presence in ongoing ANSF efforts (18 opera- the northeast of Guzara and the 0 tions recorded) also continued to southeast of Injil likely relocated curtail AOG activity. After the some AOG elements. Further, HERAT AOG HERAT Crime end of a 45 day long clearing op- ANSF arrested 4 suspected AOG eration along the Herat- members (originating from Kan- AOG members and seizing a quantity of small Chaghcharan highway (though dahar) in Herat City, allegedly in- and heavy weapons and explosive devices, and some search operations remain volved in planning BBIED attacks afterwards, 10 AOG members and their com- ongoing), ANSF appears to have on high-profile targets in the city. manders subsequently joined the APRP. Also, shifted the focus of their opera- While the event suggests that a the ANSF presence along Herat-Chaghcharan tions onto peripheral districts. 6 BBIED attack is still a potential City highway further encouraged AOGs to join ANSF operations in total were threat, such incidents remain ex- this process. 20 AOG members—including conducted in Guzara and Injil tremely rare in the city. their commander—from Chishti Sharif and 4 arresting 3 AOG suspects with no The mounting pressures from from Pashtun Zarghun joined the APRP. The- AOG incidents recorded. How- ANSF continued to also affect se events appear to have pressured one of the ever, it is worth noting that ANSF Shindand, a stronghold of AOG most prominent commanders from Chishti discovered two IEDs emplaced in the south. ANSF conducted 3 Sharif to reassert his power by intimidating along the same secondary road in operations in total, arresting 5 some villages into supporting AOG activity. THE ANSO REPORT Page 8

NGO Incidents ARAH FARAH F Year to Date 4 50 This Report Period 1 Farah experienced one NGO inci- 40 dent this reporting period. AOG those abducted and the GoA, and 30 abducted an on duty NGO staff local acceptance appears the most 20 member (he was released the next important aspect in securing the 10 release of the abductees (apart day, following negotiations con- 0 ducted by local elders) while he from 8 executed during their de- was in transit in Khaki Safed. Of tention). note, this district has been as- While the deepening winter con- FARAH AOG FARAH Crime tinued the downturn of overall sessed as relatively stable since the south of Bakwa to support AOG operations. beginning of November (only 2 AOG activity throughout the AOG incidents recorded for the province, concentration of securi- In contrast, the intensifying ANSF/IMF oper- past two months). This year, ty incidents remained in Bakwa ations appear to have completely contained Farah hosted 4 NGO incidents in and Bala Buluk this reporting pe- AOG activity in Bala Buluk, considered heavily total, three of which were directly riod. In Bakwa, AOG activity affected by AOG penetration into the prov- related to abduction (the first and continued to inflict damage on ince. ANSF/IMF conducted 7 operations in second cases happened this July ANSF/IMF as well as military total, arresting 32 AOG members and 3 prom- resulting in the death of 4 NGO logistic supply in transit along inent commanders and seizing a quantity of de-miners and 4 locals perceived Herat-Kandahar Highway, mainly small and heavy weapons along with some ex- as GoA affiliates by AOG). While with IED and direct attacks plosive devices. Further, ANSF/IMF have the potential motives behind these (killing 3 ANP officers, wounding commenced construction of a mosque in the incidents include—but are not 3 others, and destroying 1 fuel Shiwan area, the stronghold of AOG in the necessarily limited to—tribal con- supply tanker). This occurred district, in an apparent attempt to garner ac- flicts, the nature of demining ac- despite the ongoing ANSF/IMF ceptance in the community. While the long tivities, and/or financial gains, efforts to secure the route and the term effect of these measures is questionable, statements made by AOG in all killing of the Khashrod District the intensity of ANSF efforts and the deepen- the abduction cases suggest that Shadow Governor (a district in ing winter will likely continue to constrain these incidents occurred due to a Nimroz in the Southern Region), AOG activity at least for the short term. perceived connection between who reportedly often came to the

NGO Incidents B ADGHIS Year to Date 0 BADGHIS This Report Period 0 50 This reporting period, consistent 40 with seasonal trends, AOG activi- AOG hotspot, hosted only 4 30 ty continued to decline (the total AOG incidents in total the past 3 20 number of AOG incidents months, since major ANSF/IMF 10 dropped from 13 to 11 compared operations targeted AOG com- 0 with the PRP). It is worth noting mand structures this September. That mission resulted in the death that the volume of AOG incidents BADGHIS AOG BADGHIS Crime this December was 25% lower of 17 AOG members and the ar- than that of the last December, rest of 20 others, including their From a district perspective in Murghab, anoth- although the annual sum of AOG prominent commanders. In com- er AOG hotspot, the number of AOG inci- incidents of this year is 15% high- parison to the above, this district dents increased from 2 to 7 in comparison er than that of the last year. The experienced 14 AOG incidents with the past 2 reporting periods, while AOG ANSF operations of the past few last December. Since the opera- activity in Muqur decreased (from 5 to 1). months were likely partly respon- tions, remaining AOG elements This is due to a shift in focus of ANSF/IMF sible for this decline, while other have reportedly relocated, result- operations from Murghab to Muqur as factors–including, but not neces- ing in the destabilizing of border- ANSF/IMF attempts to follow AOG move- sarily limited to–ALP and/or ing areas such as Qaysar District ments between the two districts. This down- changes in AOG command struc- of Faryab Province (Northern turn in overall AOG activity throughout the tures cannot be ruled out. No- Region). province will likely continue during the winter. ticeably, Ghormach, historically a THE ANSO REPORT Page 9

E ASTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents N ANGARHAR Year to Date 14 NANGARHAR This Report Period 0 100 The most significant event in 80 Nangarhar this period was the IED in Zone 4, Rokhan Mina area, which was defused by ANP; 60 ANP seizure of a civilian vehicle 40 in Bati Kot. The vehicle was this is likely the work of the IED 20 rigged as a VBIED and thought cell operating in that zone, but the to have been destined for a com- planned target remains unclear. 0 plex suicide attack in Jalalabad In Zone 3, a small IED emplaced in garbage was located in the area City, most likely targeting a senior NANGARHAR AOG NANGARHAR Crime GOA target. There had not been of Charahi Maraston, also without a VBIED attack since May of this any known target. In addition, a small magnetic IED attached to such as an interpersonal feud—should not be year, which makes this the quiet- ruled out. est year of the past 4 in terms of an ANP ranger detonated on the the volume of VBIEDs in the main bazaar street between Elsewhere in the province, the traditionally province. This latest incident in- Talashi and Mokhabarat Squares, insecure districts south of Jalalabad continued dicates the dynamic now at work causing no casualties and only to see insecurity, as did the Shinwar area. In in Nangarhar that has been point- minor damage to the vehicle, but Khogyani, an IED struck an IMF vehicle, ed to in the past two reports – important for its successful pene- while in Sorkh Rod an ANP vehicle was struck that is, changing AOG leadership tration into the heart of the city. by one, injuring one policeman. In Chaparhar, in favour of more aggressive oper- These incidents seem to further AOG fighters briefly attacked the DAC with ations against GOA targets; as suggest the re-concentration of no major consequences, while the only security such, more such attacks can be AOG efforts towards Jalalabad forces operations in these districts led to sei- expected, although it remains im- city. zures of small arms and large quantities of portant to note that even with Another device exploded on the hashish – as with elsewhere in the region— such an escalation, the situation in 2nd floor of a building located near indicating the important nexus of narcotics and around Jalalabad is considera- Shinwari Kharadi in Zone 2. The and anti-government activity. bly better than it was last winter. IED was emplaced next to an In the Shinwari districts, a fatal IED strike Yet, as should be clear, the ANSF, ANP official apartment’s door took place in the Nazyan Pul area, killing 2 who are now de facto in charge of and caused injuries to the said ANA soldiers from a joint ANA-IMF convoy, security for the provincial capital, official and one ANBP. The mo- 6 days prior to this, another had hit an ANA achieved an important success in dus operandi of the incident sug- convoy in the same location IMF scored fatal- preventing the above attack, gests a targeted attack; however ities on the AOG side, when an airstrike killed which indicates that the planned the exact motivations behind it 4 AOG fighters planting an IED on the road up-tick in AOG operations is like- have yet to be elucidated at the from Marko Bazaar to Ghani Khel DAC, ly to be dampened by security time this report was written. Alt- while other security force operations led to a forces. hough the victims were both small number of arrests and some weapons Other notable incidents in Jala- members of security forces, crimi- seizures. labad included the discovery of an nal motivation for the incident— THE ANSO REPORT Page 10

NGO Incidents K HOST Year to Date 5 KHOST This Report Period 0 150 Two incidents in the Khost City centre this period indicated the maining guards shot and killed 100 realisation of the expected return one operative, who was wearing a of an AOG operational presence BBIED vest, which caused the 50 in the heart of the city, although remaining two to retreat and es- 0 with an impact much less than cape in the vehicle. ANSF conse- could have been the case. First, a quently launched a search opera- motorcycle driver suspected of tion to find these operatives, but KHOST AOG KHOST Crime being an AOG operative threw a did not succeed in doing so. grenade into a crowded market Both of these operations are con- GOA facilities. area next to Sargardano Chawk on sistent with reports earlier in the the 18th. The blast injured 16 ci- month that a number of AOG The security environment of the flatland dis- vilians and 1 ANP policeman, in ‘direct action teams’ had been tricts surrounding the provincial capital was what appears to have been the deployed to the city for the winter primarily characterised by IED operations; in targeting of a small group of ANP to conduct attacks on worthy tar- Mando Zayi, Gurbuz and Tani, a small number that were present in the area, alt- gets. However, the poor planning of IEDs struck IMF and ANSF vehicles, caus- hough the possibility remains that and execution evident in both ing a low volume of injuries and no fatalities. it was in fact done for commercial attacks – when compared with the Khost district saw also an IED strike on a ci- reasons. More substantially, on history of AOG operations in the vilian vehicle but without reported casualties. the 21st a Corolla with 3 AOG city over the past 2 years – indi- In Tani, the main district IMF base was briefly operatives and a driver pulled up cates that these teams may not attacked, catalysing an airstrike that killed one outside the city’s main Kabul pose a threat sufficient to disrupt of the attackers. Bank branch, with the occupants the general improvements in the In Sabari, the only AOG operation was an calling out to one of the bank’s city’s security over the past 6 IED attack on an IMF convoy in the DAC security guards to approach the months. It is important to re- area, catalysing a clearing operation that arrest- vehicle. After shooting the guard, member that Khost remains over- ed 3. The remaining incidents in this district the 3 operatives exited the vehicle due for a larger complex attack, were all IMF operations, which led to 16 AOG and proceeded to try to force their and it is likely that such an opera- fighters being arrested, including one HQN way into the bank; however, after tion will occur in the coming 2-3 commander. a short exchange of fire, the re- months, targeting major ANSF or

NGO Incidents Year to Date 1 LAGHMAN L AGHMAN 50 This Report Period 0 40 Mihtarlam was the site of almost After a period of lull in reported all security incidents in Laghman 30 activities along the Kabul – Jala- in the final two weeks of the year, 20 labad Highway, on 31 December with both AOG and security force 10 at around 0800 hrs, an AOG car- activities. Most significantly, an ried out an attack on an ANP CP 0 IED struck an ANA vehicle in located in Mulla Burj Qaber area Lozhi village, killing one soldier, (Tangi Valley). The fire fight last- while a school teacher was shot LAGHMAN AOG LAGHMAN Crime ed for approximately 1 hour be- and killed by unknown gunmen in fore the AOG withdrew from the the Harmal area. On the other area, and did not involve any cas- Another recorded incident in Qarghayi consist- side, an AOG commander was ualties. The incident marks the ed of a rocket fired towards an ANP check detained by ANP in a search oper- first recorded event along the post in Surkhakan area. ation, and 9 AOG members gave Qarghayi stretch of the Highway By contrast, Alishang saw a total absence of up their arms as part of the gov- since October 30th, when an IED incidents, while in Alingar there was just 1 ernment’s peace and reconcilia- struck an ANA vehicle (killing 1 IED detonation, in the Kandey Parwai area, tion programme. Two other ANA officer), and should serve as which struck an IMF vehicle. Finally, in Daw- search operations led to 4 AOG a reminder of the standing adviso- lat Shah, there were only two IDF attacks fighters arrested, and arms and ry on recommended travel times against the DAC, and one IED discovery on IED caches being seized. along this road (0900-1500 hrs). the road to the district centre. THE ANSO REPORT Page 11

NGO Incidents K UNAR Year to Date 8 KUNAR 150 This Report Period 0 The security situation in Asadabad 100 continued to be relatively calm, GOA writ. with just one IED detonation rec- However, the AOG sections op- 50 orded, which struck an ANP vehi- erating in these areas, and particu- cle but caused no injuries. This is larly in the eastern border districts 0 symptomatic of the picture now of Sirkanay and Khas Kunar, emerging about the security plan would not be expected to take this for Kunar for the medium term lying down, with both seeing KUNAR AOG KUNAR Crime future. With the new ALP in Sir- heavy fighting from the opposi- kanay now up and running, efforts tion recently. In the most notable both Khas Kunar and Sirkanay, ALP units also are also underway in Narang and operation this period, two IMF continued to be attacked. Chawkay for similar local police soldiers and an interpreter were programmes, with Khas Kunar killed in an IED attack in the On the other side of the highway, an IMF op- completing a block of 4 districts Shunkrey area on the border be- eration in Chawkay’s Dewagal valley led to the on either side of the highway and tween the two districts, where a killing of 8 AOG fighters, including one mid- south of Asadabad, where com- particularly strong cross-border level commander, while in Narang an opera- munity defence programmes are Pakistani AOG is operational – tion in Bil Lamak led to the arrest of 6 alleged being concentrated, to assist in and the same area in which the AOG fighters. As the security forces continue denying AOG presence and sup- controversial IMF airstrike that to focus efforts on establishing a dominating port. With an increase in the se- killed two dozen PakMil person- presence in this security box, we can expect a curity force presence on the high- nel took place in November. IMF sustained elevated conflict intensity to be pre- way also planned, it appears the also conducted two clearing oper- sent in the areas inside it – with the momen- highway, these 4 bordering dis- ations in the area this period, the tum elsewhere in the province in the first tricts, and ultimately Asadabad first leading to 3 AOG fighters months of 2012 to remain very much with itself, are expected to act as a being killed, and the second con- AOGs. However, given the weak command GOA-dominated security ‘box’, sisted of seizure of a quantity of and control Kunar’s AOGs feature, the situa- with the flip side being that the weapons through an extensive tion outside the security box is likely to resem- Pech valley area and the districts search of local residences. These ble an ‘anarchy of commanders’, where no one to the north of the provincial cap- searches led to a medium size group predominates and where human security ital will be accepted by IMF and demonstration that was held in for local communities will continue to deterio- the GOA as remaining heavily Asadabad city against IMF night rate. contested and featuring a weak raids. It should be noted that in

COMBINED (AOG/Criminal) NGO INCIDENTS : 2006-2011 (the numbers provided on the graph indicate yearly peaks) 30 Jul: 27 Jun: 25 Jul: 24 25

20 Sept: 17 Jul: 17 Jul: 15 15

0 JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JUN JUN JUN JUN JUN JUN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB APR APR APR APR APR APR OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 THE ANSO REPORT Page 12

NGO Incidents AKTYA PAKTYA P Year to Date 7 150 This Report Period 0 Paktya witnessed a quiet final fort- 100 night of the year, with an ED larly in Paktya where such politi- strike on IMF and a small handful cally damaging mistakes have been 50 of IMF operations marking the made in the past (namely a night only noteworthy incidents. raid that killed senior provincial GOA figures in February 2010). 0 Most significantly, in Gardez city, As such, it was likely a result of a IMF conducted a night raid on a weak informational basis in the home that turned out to be that of PAKTYA AOG PAKTYA Crime targeting packet; the forces were the provincial ANP counter- reported to be looking for a HQN narcotics chief, arresting him and facilitator, but once it became no AOG activity at all, a first in 2011. Also in two of his sons after the inevitable clear the magnitude of the mistake Zurmat (DAC area), the ANP arrested the fa- firefight between the forces and a made, the provincial government ther of the suicide attacker who had attempted home well-armed – likely so be- quickly and very publicly de- to conduct a recent BBIED attack at Kabul cause the work of counter- nounced the operation, and the Bank in Khost city (but was killed in the pro- narcotics police is one of the most ANP officer and one son were cess by the ANP). dangerous governmental profes- released. Indeed, even in the un- The most noteworthy incident authored by an sions - due to how much produc- likely scenario that the one son AOG occurred in Gardez, Tarkano area, tion and trade in such illicit goods who remained detained after the where an IED detonated on an IMF vehicle, pervades society and government. local political and social backlash killing 3 IMF soldiers, however AOG activity In the firefight, a female family was involved with the HQN, the was also visible in Wuza Zadran, where AOG member was killed, while another fallout of anger and mistrust be- fighters ambushed an ANA convoy, but were female, two children and two sol- tween IMF and the local govern- all quickly arrested by their intended targets diers (1 IMF and 1 ANA) were ment and security force partners and in Wuza Zadran and Gardez, as well as injured. Whether the position of may make the strength of the with single IED discoveries. Beside these, no the man of the house was fully gains questionable. other AOG activity was recorded, making it understood by the forces involved the quietest fortnight in Paktya this year. remains unclear, but it is unlikely, Elsewhere in the province, two as the IMF are sensitive to politi- clearing operations in Zurmat cal fallout from poorly planned arrested 7 suspected AOG mem- and executed night raids, particu- bers, with that district registering

Country Level AOG Initiated Incidents: 2006-2011 (the numbers provided on the graph indicate yearly peaks) 1800 Jul: 1714 Parlimentary Elections 1600 Sept: 1541

1400

Presidential Elections 1200 Aug: 1092

1000

800 Aug: 634 600 Jul: 405 400 Aug: 335

200

0 JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JUN JUN JUN JUN JUN JUN DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC APR APR APR APR APR APR OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT OCT AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 THE ANSO REPORT Page 13

S OUTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents H ELMAND Year to Date 2 HELMAND This Report Period 0 350 In the last fortnight AOGs oper- 300 ating in Helmand continued to Lashkar Gah district experiencing 250 15 of them. 200 target security forces by carrying 150 out a number of operations, using Like in Kandahar, the primary 100 direct attacks and IEDs as their targets of these types of incidents 50 tactic of choice. In addition to remain ANP personnel and locals 0 directly engaging ANSF/IMF, associated with ANSF/IMF ef- AOGs pursued their campaign of forts. Community leaders also HELMAND AOG HELMAND Crime targeted killings and intimidations constitute a frequent target of of civilians across the province. such attacks, in an effort by AOG the last two weeks these operations resulted in Similar to the tactic frequently to intimidate the local community the reported deaths of 12 AOG members, in- deployed in the neighbouring pro- and jeopardize efforts by GOA to juries to an additional 2 and the detention of at vincial capital of Kandahar, an improve governance in the area. least 22 AOG members (including 2 mid-level AOG team of armed motorcyclist In Helmand, IED deployment commanders in Garmser and Nahri Sarraj). was involved in an attack that oc- continues to produce numerous Security forces were particularly successful in curred in Lashkar Gah city. On casualties and affect local popula- seizing and destroying IEDs as—in addition to the evening of 21 December tions, in the most kinetic districts a huge amount of explosive materials seized in (Lashkary Bazaar area), a council of Nahri Sarraj and Nad Ali in Nad Ali—a reported 35 explosive devices were member of Lashkar Gah city mu- particular. In the last fortnight disposed of in the same district. The similar nicipality was killed by 2 purport- two separate incidents reported tempo of military operation, in particular those ed AOG members who were rid- from Nahri Sarraj resulted in 1 initiated by IMF, is expected to continue ing on a motorcycle. Another civilian killed and 2 children in- throughout the winter period in Helmand in an noteworthy incident took place in jured when local vehicles activated attempt to exert a sustained pressure on AOGs the Bazaar area of Musa Qala, roadside IEDs. Yet the most prior to the further reduction of IMF effec- where an AOG attacked the vehi- deadly IED incident targeted se- tives. cle of the head of the Mula Qala curity forces personnel in Nad Ali On a different note, an official ceremony District Community Council with district. On 29 December, an marking the transition of security from IMF to SAF while he was on the way to explosive device (likely an ANSF in Nad Ali and Marja was scheduled to his house, killing him as well as RCIED) detonated on an ANP be held in the provincial capital of Lashkar his son and his grandson on the vehicle as it was travelling through Gah City on 31 December. In addition to 3 th 27 . Prior to these two incidents, the area of Zarghun Village, kill- districts of Helmand (Nad Ali, Marja and Na- 2 civilians were executed by AOG ing 10 ANP and wounding anoth- wa), the second phase of transition in the in Nad Ali District on 16 Decem- er. south is scheduled to include the whole Nim- ber, however, in the later case the ANSF/IMF continued its high roz Province and Ghazni city. Involvement of exact motivation behind the kill- rate of operations, focusing their these 3 Helmand’s districts in the transition ing has not been determined. In- efforts on AOG-affected districts process appears to be a political decision to cluding the aforementioned inci- of Nad Ali, Nahri Sarraj and also include “kinetically active areas” into the pro- dents there have been at least 39 on Washer and Marja (i.e. concen- cess by taking advantage of a still strong IMF similar occurrences (AOG au- trating on areas scheduled for the presence within the province. thored) reported in Helmand second tranche of transition). In since the beginning of 2011, with THE ANSO REPORT Page 14

NGO Incidents G HAZNI Year to Date 2 GHAZNI This Report Period 0 250 The volume of incidents in Ghaz- 200 ni decreased this period, display- explosive device detonated on an ing a drop in the number of AOG IMF convoy travelling on High- 150 initiated direct attacks as well as way 1 (Kabul – Kandahar). The 100 detonation completely destroyed IED strikes. 50 an armoured vehicle, killing 5 In the last fortnight the majority IMF soldiers. Further details of 0 of direct attacks affected the dis- the incident suggest that the de- tricts of Andar, Ajristan and Giro, vice was control detonated, and GHAZNI AOG GHAZNI Crime and were launched against the consisted of a huge amount of usual targets in the province such explosive materials (estimated at NGOs, if they are in close proximity to AOG as DACs (in Andar and Ajristan) over 100 kgs). Although such a “hard targets”. and ANP checkpoints. These significant charge remains the ex- Whereas the overall AOG activity has de- attacks remain frequently incon- ception, it nonetheless further creased over the past two weeks, ANSF/IMF clusive and consist of a brief en- confirms the previously observed were active, leading numerous search/arrest gagement, with this period being trend that AOGs are able to adapt operation throughout the province. This re- no exception. Whereas AOG their TTPs (by increasing the porting period these operations were conduct- direct attacks did not involve re- charge of explosives used in the ed particularly in Andar, Ghazni, Gelan and ported casualties, IED emplace- manufacturing of IED for in- Qarabagh districts. In total, 19 AOG mem- ment caused a significant number stance) in order to efficiently tar- bers were detained, 3 were killed and a variety of fatalities amongst security forc- get heavily armoured military ve- of weapons, ammunition and explosive materi- es. As a result of 2 IED strikes hicles. Further to this, the use of als were seized. Worthy to note, IMF air assets targeting ANSF vehicles in Muqur an RCIED (in this case) indicates have been employed in Gelan against an AOG and Ab Band, 1 ANA soldier was AOG willingness to attempt a cell while they were in the process of emplac- killed and another 3 ANA and 1 certain precision in targeting, but ing roadside IEDs. This appears to be an in- ANP sustained injuries. The most the use of significant charges rep- creasingly common IMF tactic to counter noteworthy incident associated resents a heightened risk to the AOG IED attacks in key areas of the southern with the use of IEDs occurred in local population, as well as region. Ghazni on 21 December, when an

NGO Incidents N IMROZ Year to Date 0 NIMROZ 100 This Report Period 0 This reporting cycle the overall 80 volume in incidents reported from stance against AOG activities. 60 Nimroz remained relatively con- On the same day, another IED sistent with the previous period. was reported to be located and 40 defused in the city area. Albeit In the last fortnight there have 20 been 5 security events focused on sporadic, IED related incidents 0 Zaranj and Khash Rod districts, had already been recorded in with the latter still hosting the Ghor Ghori city prior to these 2 NIMROZ AOG NIMROZ Crime majority of the province’s insecu- events, 4 IED detonated in the rity. area (including 1 premature detonation) and 1 device was discov- weapons was seized. On 21 December, in Ghor Ghori ered. Lastly, similar to the previous report the prov- city of Khash Rod, an RCIED ince continued to witness cross-border inci- was located in front of a local IMF remains logically focused on the main AOG affected district of dents with Iran. On 26 December, Iranian mosque and subsequently de- security forces shot and killed 4 Afghan civil- fused. Peripheral information Khash Rod, with an operation occurring on the 23rd, in which a ians as they were illegally crossing border in indicates that the intended target Zaranj district. of the attack may have been a lo- reported 5 AOG members were cal religious leader known for his killed and a small amount of THE ANSO REPORT Page 15

NGO Incidents Z ABUL Year to Date 0 ZABUL 100 This Report Period 0 This reporting period the AOG 80 th presence in Zabul manifested it- area of Kharwariyano on the 25 . 60 self with a large variety of de- Further to this, on the provincial 40 ployed tactics, in particular across level ANP personnel appeared to be the AOG favoured target and 20 Qalat, followed by Atghar, 0 Shamulzayi and Naw Bahar dis- the 2 direct attacks reported from tricts. Shamulzayi and Shahjoy were carried out against an ANP person- AOG continued to focus their ZABUL AOG ZABUL Crime nel and facilities. efforts on IED deployment, which accounted for the majority IED emplacement continues to ed in 1 ANP killed and 3 ANP wounded. The of recorded incidents in the last be assessed as the main threat same number of casualties were reported on two weeks. Nonetheless, in addi- throughout the province, with late the same day from Zozgara area, when a road- tion to IEDs, the province experi- December experiencing a total of side IED hit a patrolling ANP vehicle. enced AOG direct and indirect 10 IED related incidents, includ- In the last two weeks ANSF/IMF documented attacks, targeted killing, and nu- ing 5 detonations. activities were also mainly focused on Qalat merous ANSF/IMF operations. Qalat district remained the focal where the bulk of security forces operations Indeed, targeted killing has be- point of AOG IED activity. In took place, and to a lesser extent on Shahjoy come a feature of the security par- addition to 3 IED discover- and Tarna Wa Jaldak district. At least 10 oper- adigm within the province and in ies/disposals recorded in the dis- ations were carried out by security forces Qalat district in particular. Dur- trict (with 1 from Qalat city), 2 (mainly conducted by ANP and NDS) with the ing this reporting cycle an ANP IED strikes targeted ANP vehi- result of 1 AOG fighter killed, 1 wounded and official was killed by an AOG cles. On 21 December, in Radar another 8 detained. team riding on a motorcycle in the area, an RCIED detonation result-

NGO Incidents U RUZGAN Year to Date 0 URUZGAN During this reporting period This Report Period 0 100 Uruzgan saw a total of 18 security 80 incidents, among these, AOGs night 3 separate IED strikes re- 60 were behind 7 concurrencies sulted in the death of 1 ANA soldier (Korya area) and injuries to 40 which were concentrated in Dih- 20 rawud, Chora and Tirin Kot dis- another ANA and 2 ANP. Of tricts. Along with the number of note, the collateral involvement of 0 incidents authored by AOGs civilians remains a distinctive (which slightly increased in the threat across the province. This URUZGAN AOG URUZGAN Crime was demonstrated on 30 Decem- last two weeks in comparison with casualties were reported in Chora district. In the previous report), effective ber in Tirin Kot District, when a roadside IED hit a civilian vehicle, the latter district, ANP responded and repelled AOG IED activity appeared to be an AOG attack on their check post located in on the rise across the province. killing 4 persons and seriously wounding another. the Niazo area, and managed to kill 1 AOG Altogether five IED strikes were member and injure another 2. As is frequently the case, the rate recorded in Dihrawud District ANSF/IMF documented operations were (which, as noted in the previous of AOG initiated direct attacks in the province was not significant, small in number and concentrated in Tirin report, had seen a series of serious Kot. In addition to IED discoveries reported IED related incident in early De- with only two reported incidents. Whereas an AOG attack that oc- from the Mihrabad area, 2 separate operations cember) and in Tirin Kot. The netted weapons and explosives, but were not main AOG target throughout the curred in the Zamtu area of Tirin Kot targeting a joint ANSF/IMF accompanied by any reported detentions and province remains ANSF vehicles do not seem to have any short-term impact on and personnel, and in the last fort- patrol was effective and killed 1 ANP and injured another, AOG the current security paradigm in the province. THE ANSO REPORT Page 16

NGO Incidents KANDAHAR K ANDAHAR Year to Date 3 200 This Report Period 0 Although the rate of AOG activi- 150 ty remained relatively consistent tricts continue to host a persistent 100 AOG activity. with the previous period, overall 50 incident levels rose in the past two Apart from explosives seizures, weeks as ANSF/IMF operations ANSF/IMF appeared to target 0 appear to be increasing in Kanda- drug storage areas and manufac-

har Province. turing facilities within the prov- KANDAHAR AOG KANDAHAR Crime These operations were primarily ince. For instance, a drug pro- focused on Panjwayi, Kandahar cessing factory was located and dismantled in Arghandab, whereas city, Spin Boldak and Zhari dis- ly, another ANP was shot and injured in the in Spin Boldak a huge amount of tricts and appear aimed at the dis- Mirwas Mina area of District 7 over the first raw hashish was discovered dur- ruption of AOG IED cells and week of this reporting period (on the 16th). drug business. In the last fort- ing 2 separate operations. IEDs were prominent over the past two night the districts of Maywand, AOG activity in the province con- weeks, however the majority of these were Panjwayi and Zhari saw IMF air sisted of IED deployments, direct again discovery and disposal operations con- strikes targeting AOG cells which attacks and a well known pattern ducted by ANSF/IMF. Kandahar city, as is were in the process of emplacing of targeted killings (mainly occur- frequently the case, accounted for the majority IEDs, with the strikes resulting in ring in Kandahar city). In regards of IED related incidents, with districts 2, 8, 9 a total of 5 AOG killed and 1 to the latter, District 3 was partic- and 10 experiencing IED discoveries. Of note, wounded/arrested. ularly affected, with 2 recorded an RCIED detonated on an ANP vehicle in incidents. The more noteworthy ANSF/IMF were successful also District 6, but it did not cause any reported occurred on 17 December in in discovering and seizing numer- casualties. ous caches of explosive materials Shkarpur Darwaza area, when an Elsewhere in the province additional IED and manufactured IEDs, in partic- AOG team riding on a motorcycle strikes were reported from Miya Nishin, Spin ular in Panjwayi where a reported shot and killed a GOA official Boldak, Panjwayi and Arghistan, producing a 120 IEDs were located in a cache, (the victim used to work as the number of casualties. Amongst these a notable and in Zhari where a further 23 director of Tribal Affaires in Kan- incident occurred on 23 December in Spin devices were disposed during an dahar and at the moment of the Boldak (Takhtapol area), where an IED deto- operation. Nonetheless, it re- attack was working as an advisor nated on a civilian truck, severely damaging the mains to be seen if these successes for the Ministry of Borders and vehicle and killing 3 passengers. will have an impact on AOG op- Tribal Affaires in Kabul). In the erational capability, as for in- same area of District 3, an on- stance, both aforementioned dis- duty ANP official was killed in a similar manner on the 27th. Last-

ACRONYMS: Please see the final page for a list of ANSO-utilized acronyms. Contact List Mukhtar Vacant 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

‐

PSC

‐ ‐ as)

Armed Yamagata Brown

Government REGION

Laguardia

REGION / Karim

[email protected]

‐ ‐ ‐

/ Muzik ‐

Emirate

Malach REGION

REGION ANP Ronaldson Tanchoux

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

REGION Device DC

MANAGEMENT [email protected]

‐ ‐ Criminal ‐ ‐ ‐ Afghan Interna ‐ District

[email protected] [email protected] OFFICE

OFFICE ‐

‐ [email protected] of

‐

OFFICE

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

‐

Afghanistan OFFICE PDO Mili ‐ [email protected]

[email protected] Na Group Centre

(JALALABAD)

onal (HERAT) ‐

a Private (KANDAHAR) (MAZAR)

onal

Company

/ (KABUL)

(KABUL) Military APRP

/ /

AEF Police GOA

(Taliban)

Development ‐ ‐

‐ Afghan Afghan

‐

Forces / Government 0799

‐ 0796

/ RPG 077

‐

AOG 0700 ‐ ‐ 0799

/ ‐

0799

‐

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