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Issue 93 REPORT 1‐15 March 2012 Index COUNTRY SUMMARY Central Region 1-4 The shooting of civilians in Panjwayi by a Whilst country-wide AOG attack rates 5-8 Northern Region rogue IMF solider in Kandahar proved a continue to exhibit a downward trend Western Region 9-10 defining event this cycle, with the affair when compared to the last two years, this feeding into the perceived IMF-GOA trust year’s long winter season and the vigour of Eastern Region 11-14 deficit and general anti-IMF sentiment the AOG campaign noted last year caution coming just after the incineration affair in against a hasty interpretation of present Southern Region 15-18 Bagram. Contrarily to the previous IMF conditions. For example, AOG volumes in 19 ANSO Info Page mishap, the killing did not translate into the Southern Region this period recorded a country-wide demonstrations. This was steep growth line, marking twice as many due to a combination of factors, including attacks as the opposition networks in the HIGHLIGHTS the public view of the shooting as a war East; until now the main contributor to related crime rather than a transgression AOG volumes this year (for the break- Killing of civilians by against national or cultural values. down and comparisons, consult the graphs rogue IMF soldier in ‘Demonstration fatigue’ and a vocal GOA below). Kandahar stance in its immediate aftermath also The NGO community, however, faced an served to shape public reaction. The inci- NGO clinics impacted array of criminal events. National staff dent marked another tactical public rela- by IED & IDF in Khost members fell prey to ‘drive by’ thefts in tions loss for IMF in the South and played and Nangarhar Jalalabad whilst another robbery affected directly into the strategic objectives of the two NGO staff travelling late at night from Criminal robberies of opposition. A series of attacks followed, Baghlan towards Samangan. Of a more NGO staff in including one against a VIP delegation at- serious nature were the incidents involving Nangarhar and tending the funeral ceremony in Panjwayi, NGO health facilities in the East. In Baghlan as well as a bizarre attempt to drive into a Nangarhar, a clinic was impacted by IDF group of IMF soldiers at the main base in during an assault on a DAC while an IED ANSO is supported by Helmand. However, the explicit involve- detonated in front of a clinic in Khost City, ment of AOG in both attacks remains in in what appears as an intimidation attempt question. As to the possible long-term im- by local ‘medical mafia’. Also in Khost, an plications, the delicate issue of sovereignty explosion caused damage to another clinic and the legal status of IMF has been raised shortly after the premise was searched by as the Wolesi Jirga called for the IMF per- IMF, though exact cause and author of this petrator to be tried in an Afghan court, an event remain unclear at this time. issue promptly rejected by the US.
AOG attack rate Jan-Feb-Mar comparison AOG incident distribution in 2012 January February March January February March 300 1200 250 1000 200 800 150 600 100 400 50 200 0 0 CENTRAL EAST NORTH NORTH SOUTH WEST 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 EAST
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C ENTRAL REGION
NGO Incidents KABUL K ABUL Year to Date 3 50 This Report Period 0 Kabul Province returned to the 40 quiet experienced prior to the in- and primary motivations of the 30 cineration affair. Whilst the attack. In the past, IEDs affixed 20 NGO community reflected on the to vehicles included both political 10 and criminal attacks, although the Panjwayi incident as having a po- 0 tential to trigger another row of activity remained marginal. A anti-IMF protests, the situation temporary spike was marked last did not translate into any major year along the ring road north of activity as of the end of the cycle. Kabul, where sticky bombs target- KABUL AOG KABUL Crime Overall, ANSF dominated the ed IMF-contracted fuel tankers en route to Bagram. In counter- local community reiterated that the fighters landscape and authored over two were not members of any active AOG. For thirds of the incidents. Conflict- point, the capital city witnessed just four cases since 2006 of the overall trends, the volumes recorded in related arrests remained limited to Surobi this year stand against the trending for three operations in the capital which only two were attributed to AOG. The latest incident remains 2010 and 2011 when AOG stayed more active (District 1, 5 and 7) and a more during the first quarter. It remains too early to robust operation in Dashti Saqawa an outlier regardless its primary motives. fully assess the underlying causes of the slow (Chahar Asyab). operational tempo this year, though the harsh th In the evening on the 6th of On the 14 , AOG ambushed an winter can hardly be denied as a prominent March, an explosive device, likely ANA-IMF convoy in the Uzbin feature. However, it is also an established fact a ‘sticky’ IED, detonated on an Valley of Surobi. The attack did that domestic networks are often active in the ANA vehicle shortly after the not have much impact besides neighbouring areas in Tagab, Laghman and driver parked inside the com- being the first manifestation of even Nangarhar, whilst they tend to keep their pound of the Ministry of Defence local AOG presence this year. It home turf calm. In particular, the recent AOG in District 2. The blast injured also came amidst local efforts at surge in Tagab & Alasay could have absorbed two ANA staff, including the reintegrating former IEA affili- significant local resources. The current level of driver, and damaged three vehi- ates. A group of Pashai fighters AOG activity in Surobi does not represent any cles. The circumstances remain from the Upper Uzbin Valley major concern to the safety of day-time NGO unclear as does the authorship joined the APRP recently, though travels along the highway.
NGO Incidents P ANJSHIR Year to Date 0 This Report Period 0 This cycle, several avalanches causing structural damage were The NGO community noticed the An interest of local politicians to bring the Af- reported from the borderland be- usual amount of political maneu- ghan Local Police program into the province tween Dara and Paryan, and most vering among different local pow- was also notated, yet the actual chances of this of local roads there remained er groups, yet the general agendas happening are quite low. This may change at a blocked by snow. remain aligned with the strong later stage this year with the envisaged road Panjshiri lobby in the central gov- construction project between Panjshir and Nu- Besides a handful of demonstra- ernment and do not threaten to ristan via Dara. The road construction could tions during the previous cycle, impact NGOs in their daily pro- encompass a local equivalent of ‘critical infra- Panjshir has not experienced gramming. structure protection’ forces. much insecurity so far this year.
NOTICE: The graphs provided in the report are accurate as of the 14th of March 2012. THE ANSO REPORT Page 2
NGO Incidents KAPISA K APISA Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 40 After the significant upscale of 30 AOG activity in January and Feb- Derakht, Joybar). Yet, the cycle ruary, AOG activity levels opened with a bold SAF attack on 20 dropped this cycle marking only a passing ANA convoy in the dis- 10 three attacks for the first weeks of trict center of Alasay in the mid- 0 March. Nonetheless, the series of morning on the 1st. Each side 33 attacks generated by the oppo- sustained four casualties and the sition so far this year outnumbers AOG record included one killed. the sum of all AOG incidents KAPISA AOG KAPISA Crime In the evening hours on the 9th, staged so far in the rest of Central. IMF air support mistook civilian adult perished in another mis-targeted IMF air Moreover, the low attack rates did dwellings in Ibrahim Khel for strike in Geyawe Payeen (Nijrab). Of note not quite translate into improve- AOG positions and fired heavy though, the latest protest remained focused on ments in the security conditions weapons against the assumed tar- this particular incident and did not connect for the civilians. As the combat get. The strike killed three and with the external events such as the Bagram operations continued to converge injured a further two civilians. incineration affair or, at a later stage this cycle, on main access roads and in the The community staged an angry the rogue IMF shooting of civilians in Panjwa- population centers, civilian casu- but peaceful protest the next day yi, Kandahar. alties continued to rise. From an in the district center during which NGO perspective, Kapisa cur- Conflicts over natural resources, agricultural the bodies of the victims were rently maintains the highest NGO land and water & irrigation infrastructure, are displayed in public. Needless to threat profile in Central. somewhat common for the spring season as say, anti-IMF sentiment stayed seen on the 8th when two families clashed over AOG activity remained restricted high throughout the cycle. The land in Adina Khel, Alasay. The situation de- to SAF and SAF/RPG attacks on air-strike came less than a month generated into a fight which left two partici- ANP infrastructure in Tagab (Seh ago after 7 children and a young pants killed.
NGO Incidents W ARDAK Year to Date 0 WARDAK 50 This Report Period 0 Conflict developments in Wardak 40 remained at an extreme low. With Nirkh, long-standing HIG-IEA 30 rivalries currently play into the a handful of night raids carried 20 out in the outskirts of the provin- interests of GOA. Overall for the cial capital (Kote Ashro, Jend province, AOG attack rates are at 10 Khel), IMF appeared as the domi- a four-year low. 0 nant actor. The former location To put the statistics into perspec- also witnessed a joint ANP-ANA tive, the mid-February to mid- operation during which large sup- March periods typically mark the WARDAK AOG WARDAK Crime plies of weapons and ammunition lowest attack rates every year, with were seized. AOG activity levels usually spik- October (12 attacks), the annual activity peak AOG launched an inconclusive ing shortly after Nowruz. Attack has continuously shifted one month earlier SAF attack against an ANP check- volumes commonly present a each year. In 2011, the highest monthly rate point in Nirkh, Sarfaraz Khan, steep growth rate during April; was recorded in May (65 cases) with high activ- and stayed quiet elsewhere. The that month typically concluding ity levels continuing for two months until lack of initiative along the high- with an equal amount of attacks dropping slightly in August. However, last year way in Saydabad, the focal area to the entire first quarter of the also marked a 25% drop in AOG attack rates for AOG activity in the province, year. From April onwards, activity following the extremely kinetic 2010 and the attests to the fact that the com- volumes remain high until the end first two and a half months of this year indi- mand and supply structures of the of the summer. It is noteworthy cate that the AOG attack rates may continue opposition are yet to reconstitute that since 2006, when AOG along their downward trend. after the winter break. Whilst in monthly attack rates peaked in THE ANSO REPORT Page 3
NGO Incidents L OGAR Year to Date 0 LOGAR This Report Period 0 50 Typical for the ‘lean’ season, con- 40 flict activity remained low on both road-side device in Qalai Khwaja 30 sides with the few significant Akbar. 20 events concentrated in Puli Alam Connecting with the series of 10 and Baraki Barak. three abductions during the previ- 0 AOG authored three ineffective ous cycle, Puli Alam witnessed SAF strikes on ANP. The selec- another case on the 6th, a success- tion of targets and the TTP indi- ful kidnap of an ANCOP member LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime cate that the attacks were carried transiting along the Logar - Paktya out by domestic units with mod- highway in Altamur. The AOG indeed witnessed two raids in Alozay and est aspirations, expertise and sup- authors did not miss the oppor- Kotgay Areas which resulted in the capture of plies. The road network in Baraki tunity to call the ANCOP head- 7 AOG members. In the former location, a Barak continued to attract IED quarters and spark an ANCOP & commander was apprehended alongside with placement, though also this strand ANP search operation which nev- four operatives. Besides the usual assortment of activity quite failed. On the 3rd, ertheless came too late. On a pos- of ammunition, the force also seized a BBIED an IMF-ANA patrol neutralized itive note, local elders managed to vest. On the 14th, the IMF targeted the resi- three devices in Mohmand. On secure the safe release of the po- dence of a local mullah in Shahmazar, Baraki the 12th, three IED operatives liceman five days later in Qalai Barak. The head of the household resisted the were identified and killed in an Mirak, Charkh. force and was shot dead in an exchange of fire. IMF airstrike while attempting to Besides disrupting IED activity, His son, who also took a part in the fight, was emplace IEDs along the same IMF also carried out a handful of arrested. An amount of weapons and muni- road. In the neighbouring Puli targeted arrest operations. The tions were recovered from the house. Alam, ANP neutralized another night from the 11th to the 12th
NGO Incidents B AMYAN Year to Date 0 BAMYAN 50 This Report Period 0 This cycle changed little to the 40 fact that the province remains Further north, the Salang Pass 30 devoid of significant conflict or witnessed several days of closures 20 crime-related incidents this year. due to numerous avalanches and 10 at some point, numbers of deter- Yet, the legacy of previous con- 0 flicts came to the fore in Kahmard mined drivers stuck on the North- where a group of children ran into ern side in Baghlan took a detour via the ‘Bamyan road’ to Kahmard a UXO in Doru Area. The ordi- BAMYAN AOG BAMYAN Crime nance detonated killing three on and thru the Shikary Valley to- wards Shibar, Ghorband and cen- the spot and injuring an additional quick snatch of valuables & cash, are the most three. tral Parwan. If further closures translate into a more significant common manifestation. Cases of collective Fresh precipitations kept the influx of traffic days prior to extortion of cash from passengers under the southern districts of Panjab and Nowruz, a temporary spike in threat of violence were also recorded, though Waras isolated from the rest of road-side criminality would not be actual physical assaults on the passengers re- the province. Meanwhile, fre- surprising. mained rare. Violence occurred in situations quent road closures also contin- of non-compliance, or confrontation, from the ued to impact onward access to Road-side robberies are not un- side of the passengers. Such reactions encom- Daykundi, Ghor and Wardak. In common and usually peak with pass a substantial degree of risk and should be the North-East, closures of the high traffic flows days prior to avoided. In general terms though, the crime Shibar Pass are rare though dis- Eid festivities. Temporary road rates are at a six year low, with a peak recorded ruptions also occurred this cycle. blocks operated by three to five in 2008 and a sharp downscale ever since. armed men after dark, aiming at a THE ANSO REPORT Page 4
NGO Incidents P ARWAN Year to Date 0 PARWAN 50 This Report Period 0 Following the busy aftermath of 40 the burning affair, the situation Looking at the AOG track record 30 in Bagram, indirect attacks includ- calmed down this cycle. None- 20 theless, a slight resumption of ing IDF and ‘sticky’ IEDs consti- 10 AOG activity was notated in tute the most common AOG Bagram District. This attested to TTP in the district, the latter hav- 0 the continued interest of the op- ing been a recent addition de- position to capitalize on the IMF signed to disrupt IMF fuel supply accident but also highlighted the efforts. In counter-point, suicide PARWAN AOG PARWAN Crime fact that domestic AOG networks strikes represent under 5% of obviously lack resources to mobi- AOG attack rates. This strand of BBIED detonations and 2 direct SAF. Avoid- lize for a more robust campaign. activity remains dependant on ing proximity to IMF/ANSF assets incl. the In the evening on the 5th, a pedes- AOG circles from outside the fuel supply trucks is a reasonable measure to trian detonated his BBIED charge district and will likely continue to mitigate the risks of collateral exposure. on the access road to the Airfield represent an outlier in the overall Avalanches in the Salang Pass currently consti- whilst an IMF convoy was transit- rates. tute a more direct threat to NGO safety. This ing nearby. Besides the attacker, When it comes to NGO safety, cycle, rising temperatures and fair amounts of the strike killed 2 and injured 4 there is no history of direct or precipitation impacted the snow cover civilians. An IMF soldier and a indirect attacks on NGOs in amassed over the winter in the pass. On the national interpreter also sustained Bagram since 2006. However, 12th in the night, an avalanche swept away a injuries. The IEA swiftly claimed AOG strikes remain poorly target- truck in Kaftar Khana, killing two occupants the attack as retaliation for the ed and harm the civilians more inside and injuring an additional 4 individuals. incineration affair. Five days later, often than the military. Out of 93 Other 7 individuals were injured by avalanches a couple of BM-1 rockets landed attacks attributed to AOG in since in other two locations on the same night. in the vicinity of the base but 2006, IMF/ANSF suffered fatali- From the 13th to the 14th, over 40 avalanches failed to create any casualties or ties in 2 instances, including a impacted the highway in less than 24 hours. damage. Lastly, two IEDs con- BBIED strike and a multiple-IDF NGOs will be well served with postponing all structed out of gas bottles were attack, whereas civilians were travel across the Salang Pass until after also seized off the road in Qalai killed in 9 distinct attacks which Nowruz. Khawaja. encompassed 3 IED strikes, 2
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N ORTHERN REGION
NGO Incidents BALKH B ALKH Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 This cycle, Mazar-e Sharif 40 notched 3 security incidents, in- west of Mazar-e Sharif where 30 cluding an attempted robbery of Chimtal and Chahar Bolak have 20 an IO staff member in Zerahat traditionally been the least secure 10 th in the province. Anecdotal evi- (PD2) in the evening on the 13 . 0 For the second cycle in a row, dence suggests that the areas in explosives were discovered in a the west have begun to see the rickshaw coming from Khulm movement of mid-level AOG BALKH AOG BALKH Crime but the seizure was less significant commanders back to the field, than the previous incident which especially in the Alburz range same period in 2011 of which 17 were initiated occurred in late February. where AOGs have been noted by the opposition. From a wider perspective, crossing over from Shiram in Sar- lower incident volumes have been noted across Besides 2 drug related arrests, an e Pul. Whilst the community an- most of the Northern Region. The exceptions explosion against an armoured ticipate AOG attacks on the Criti- to this trend include Faryab as a whole and land cruiser of an Afghan owned cal Infrastructure Project protec- Baghlani Jadid District in the North East. private company as it was con- tion force (CIP) to resume short- th ducting a survey of natural re- With Nowruz approaching on March 20 , ly, the two districts actually saw sources in Asqalan Tepa of Daw- Mazar-e Sharif will host the traditional celebra- only 2 security incidents this cycle. latabad was the most notable inci- tions. The influx of visitors will also mean a A SAF strike against a security dent this cycle. The blast killed 2 strongly increased security posture around the guard at a telecommunications th st employees including an interna- city from March 19 to March 21 . Nowruz tower was followed by an AOG tional. The fact that the blast usually corresponds with the coming of the move against CIP positions in took place away from major roads Spring ‘fighting season’ and it is worth noting Qezil Qudoc village in the Alburz and in an area with little AOG that the celebration does provide some win- mountains. It is not likely that the activity led some to conclude that dow of opportunity for a statement attack or current low volumes will continue the vehicle actually drove in to a an assassination attempt against the many VIPs late into the spring. So far though, UXO rather than an IED as ini- who come to the city for the event. In coun- the combination of the late winter tially reported. Aside from the terpoint, extensive ANSF deployments usually and adjustments to the CIPs have severity of the casualties, the deto- deter major political or criminal attacks in the kept the area notably calmer than nation marked only the second city on days of celebrations. Yet, road-side last year. 15 security incidents (7 incident in Dawlatabad this year. robberies and street criminality aimed at initiated by AOGs) in Chahar Bo- Nowruz visitors constitute period-specific Overall, Balkh has remained rela- lak & Chimtal combined thus far threats to be factored into NGO movements. tively quiet thus far in 2012. This in 2012 represent a 50% drop is especially notable in the districts compared to 29 incidents over the
ACRONYMS: Please see the final page for a list of ANSO-utilized acronyms. THE ANSO REPORT Page 6
NGO Incidents K UNDUZ Year to Date 0 KUNDUZ 50 This Report Period 0 Following the demonstration vio- 40 lence in Kunduz City during the over the same period in 2011. 30 previous cycle, ANA and ANP In Khanabad, 1 PGM ambushed 20 remained on alert though the ten- another PGM commander along 10 sions de-escalated over this peri- the main Kunduz – Taloqan road od. ANSF and IMF authored 3 on the 8th, causing the deaths of 0 out of 8 incidents but the promi- the commander and his three
nent incidents were initiated by bodyguards. The conflict contin- KUNDUZ AOG KUNDUZ Crime others and included an IED strike ued the next day in the Char Toot area, resulting in 2 more deaths. against a Provincial Council (PC) year, January 1st – March 15th witnessed 114 The slain commander was influen- member in Kunduz as well as an security incidents, with 35 of those initiated by tial in the area, and although the inter-PGM skirmish which devel- AOGs. Notable amongst those were 4 sepa- oped over 2 days in Khanabad. ANP were able to rest control of rate relatively BBIED attacks. This year, only the situation, the scopes for inter- The PC member had his vehicle 67 security incidents have been recorded, with PGM violence in Khanabad re- hit a small IED which caused only 11 attributed to AOGs. However, it re- main high. Clashes between local non-life threatening injuries to mains too early to assess whether this suggests himself and to one of his body- militias have become a well- a sustained shift or is a mere result of the win- established trend in the district guards. Of note, the same offi- ter. The latter is more probable. Yet, there are over the last two years. cial came under another IED at- also other factors in play including new actors tack on the 28th of October 2011. The low incident volumes this in the field such as the CIPs and new ALPs. The latest strike was only the 3rd cycle extended the winter lull that Their impact on conflict dynamics is yet to be IED detonation to occur in has resulted in a significant de- seen when the AOG ‘fighting season’ resumes. Kunduz District this year, com- crease in incident volumes this pared to the 8 that were recorded year as opposed to 2011. Last
NGO Incidents F ARYAB Year to Date 1 FARYAB This Report Period 0 50 Insecurity in Faryab this reporting 40 along the main Shibirghan— period focused on Qaysar and 30 Almar. The two districts together Maymana road, but thus far day time incidents against civilians 20 combined to account for 11 of the 10 18 security incidents. Amongst (including NGOs) have been an 0 these, 5 were IED discoveries but exception. 3 AOG clashes with GOA forces A shooting of a jihadi command- were also recorded. This does not er, hospitalized at the time of the FARYAB AOG FARYAB Crime represent a new dynamic, as these attack at the Maymana hospital, two districts—along with Pashtun towards the end of the cycle was same period last year (January 1st—March Kot—have generally contributed another outlier, but the case was 15th) witnessed 89 security incidents (with 50 to the highest volume of insecuri- most likely related to a personal initiated by AOGs). Most of the rest of the ty in Faryab, and are likely to con- dispute and did not change much North has seen a notable decline from 2011; tinue to for the foreseeable future. for the NGO operational environ- partially due to weather and partially due to 2 incidents along the Maymana – ment. new initiatives. Further to this, as the winter Shibirghan road where it runs It is worth noting that Faryab has subsides and more AOGs move back into the through Qaramqol district, an not witnessed the same drop in region, Faryab is likely to continue hosting IED discovery and an ambush of security reporting that most other manifested insecurity, mainly in Qaysar, Almar, an ANP patrol vehicle, were also Northern provinces have. In fact, and Pashtun Kot. Dawlatabad and Qaramqol of note. The districts of Dawlata- the province has recorded 90 se- will likely remain volatile too, but secondary to bad and Qaramqol continue to see curity incidents so far this year (48 the afore-mentioned three districts. a steady level of insecurity, often initiated by AOGs) whereas the THE ANSO REPORT Page 7
NGO Incidents J AWZJAN Year to Date 1 JAWZJAN This Report Period 0 50 Jawzjan recorded 6 incidents at 40 TPA has been relatively quiet the time of reporting and stayed 30 quiet. Of the reported events, since the arrival of CIPs. The 2 AOG activity in Qush Tepa and districts in Jawzan (Darzab and 20 Qarqin districts, as well as the Qush Tepa) have only notched 11 10 arrest of a high profile AOG com- incidents in total so far this year, 0 mander from Sayyed District (Sar- as opposed to 25 over the same period last year (January 1st – e Pul) in Sultan Kot village of JAWZJAN AOG JAWZJAN Crime Shibirghan on the 10th were of March 15th). It remains unlikely import. The commander is reck- that the area will remain this inac- tive when AOG move back into or an accommodation of interests across this oned to level influence in Darzab, divide. Some slight indicators transcend thru Qush Tepa & Bilchiragh (Faryab), their strongholds. However, it is yet to be seen how the opposition the recent shooting of a PGM member in the so-called Tri-Provincial Area, Teraghli Village and further attacks on CIPs, but also seems to have a hand in will react to the existing CIPs there, many of which are com- yet a stronger surge in AOG presence which AOG activity in Sayyed (Sar-e will bring more light into the relationship is Pul) and Shibirghan. posed of former AOG members, and whether there will be conflict likely to occur only in the coming weeks. As noted in prior reports, the
NGO Incidents B ADAKHSHAN Year to Date 0 BADAKHSHAN This Report Period 0 50 The devastating avalanche in 40 Shukai District was the most sig- activity related to the drug trade is 30 relatively common throughout the nificant event this cycle. Outside 20 of this, the province remained province, and will certainly pick 10 quiet with only a few incidents of up as the drug harvest moves note. closer. Of note, NDS arrested 0 another drug smuggler of some Fayzabad was the site of 2 opera- stature on the 2nd in the DAC of tions; an IMF night raid that re- BADAKHSHAN AOG BADAKHSHAN Crime Baharak which sits along an im- sulted in the arrests of 3 AOG portant trafficking route to Tajiki- members on the evening of the stan. dow while the commander was hosting a din- 7th, and another arrest operation ner inside. The incident killed 1 of his guests by ANA & IMF on the 8th which While it was a notable outlier that and injured 2 others. Although Kuran Wa targeted drug smugglers. Night projectiles were fired on the even- Munjan occasionally witnesses some level of raids in and around Fayzabad are ing of the 7th in both Yawan and AOG activity from the south, the current inci- rare and the district is seldom Wakhan districts, neither incident dent has been assessed as a likely result of an considered a haven for AOGs. caused casualties. Of more inter- ACG or inter-PGM conflict linked to the busi- Yet, it appears that one of the est, at 2300 on the 11th in Kuran ness profile of the targeted leader. His group three captured AOG members Wa Munjan, a PGM commander’s is partially responsible for securing a lapis lazu- was indeed a senior level com- house was attacked by a man li mine in the area. mander. In counterpoint, ACG shooting SAF through the win- THE ANSO REPORT Page 8
NGO Incidents B AGHLAN Year to Date 0 BAGHLAN This Report Period 0 50 Late in the night on the 27th of 40 occurred in Baghlani Jadid district. February, 2 NGO staff members 30 returning from Kabul to Mazar in Baghlani Jadid also recorded the 20 a private low-profile vehicle were discovery of an IED and a UXO pulled over by 4 armed men in (in 2 separate incidents) this cycle, 10 Chishmi Shir, outside Puli Khum- as well as 22 individuals joining 0 ri. The NGO staff were taken to the APRP process in Kok Chenar village. This is hardly any new a nearby house where they were BAGHLAN AOG BAGHLAN Crime detained for some 3 hours before development. The district has being released, their valuables and seen a number of HIG members recorded 24 incidents, with 7 initiated by cash stolen. It appears that the change allegiances between GOA AOGs, but only 4 others involving the seizure NGO staff were randomly target- and active AOG over the last 3 of IEDs or arrests of suspected AOG mem- ed, as their NGO identity did not years. Whereas Baghlan province bers. This marks a 40% increase in ’conflict come to question nor did the gun- has seen a significant decrease in related events’ in the district so far this year. men use any political rhetoric dur- the overall volumes this year when ing the initial stoppage and the compared to the same period Little was recorded outside of Baghlani Jadid, consequent detention. Chishmi (January 1st – March 15th) in 2011, but in Tirgaran village of Puli Hisar district on Shir has seen some insecurity in Baghlani Jadid has not witnessed the 8th, a conflict broke out between 2 former previous years, with this marking the same lull and the district re- Jihadi commanders and their ‘pro-Government the 5th incident thus far in 2012 mains the main hub for kinetic militias’ (PGM). The ANP intervened after 2 and the second ACG robbery. events in the province. To put deaths had occurred, and arrested 7 fighters The previous one was also a late this in context, over the first 2 ½ from one side, but none from the other. This night attempt broken up by ANP months of 2011, Baghlan as a was locally attributed to the good relations be- on the 14th of February. Indeed, province recorded 72 incidents, of tween the second group and local GOA au- road-side robberies typically hap- which 24 occurred in Baghlani thorities. As the ANP were subsequently en pen after dark and can thus be Jadid. This year, Baghlan has rec- route to Puli Khumri with the arrestees, their minimized by sticking to safe day- orded only 46 incidents (a de- brothers in arms ambushed the ANP in a fire light travel hours of 0900 to 1500. crease of approximately 35%). fight that left further 2 ANP policemen in- Nonetheless, the area has also The incident volumes in Baghlani jured. Inter-PGM conflict has been an issue seen two separate day-time IED Jadid have remained relatively throughout Baghlan, and these two particular incidents this year, a detonation consistent with 22 security inci- groups have been locked in long-standing ten- and a discovery, happening be- dents of which 5 were authored sions in Puli Hisar that are likely to continue tween the hours of 0900 and by AOGs, but an additional 11 for the near future. That being said, this marks 1600. consisting of either the finding of the first incident in the district this year. IEDs or the arrests of suspected NGOs will benefit from keeping an eye on In terms of territorial patterns this AOG members. Over the same local power dynamics. cycle, 4 of the 6 security incidents period in 2011, Baghlani Jadid THE ANSO REPORT Page 9
W ESTERN REGION
ERAT NGO Incidents HERAT H Year to Date 1 50 This Report Period 0 Amid NGO concerns about po- 40 tential repercussions of the Pan- had likely motivated domestic 30 jwayi shooting which came shortly AOG to relocate into Ab Kamari, 20 after the incineration affair in a bordering district in Badghis, 10 Bagram, Herat hosted a large where they often retire to evade commemoration for the anniver- ANSF sweep operations. Further, 0 sary of the mutiny against the the persistent ANSF presence communist rule in 1979 though continued to encourage a signifi- HERAT AOG HERAT Crime the public gatherings remained cant number of AOG members to peaceful. It appears that the Pan- join the APRP. This cycle, two tional device detonated prematurely. It is jwayi affair has made a very little groups from Pashtun Zarghun worth noting that 4 RCIEDs were neutralized impact on the security develop- and Injil joined the process. in Aziz Abad near the Shindand Military Air- ments in the city so far. The cold weather and the on- field, and other 2 were discovered near the ANSF operations dominated the going ANSF operations continued Adraskan DAC, likely aiming at the frequent period and remained centered on to curtail significant AOG activity. ANSF patrols. Another 6 devices were more the northern districts where an Only 3 AOG incidents were rec- wide-spread and affected the districts of Shin- advance move was made towards orded. Despite the absence of dand, Guzara, Gulran, and Pashtun Zarghun. Kushk Kuna, considered an AOG effective detonations, IED activity IAs such, ED placement in the vicinity of se- stronghold. Though the arrest of remained prominent. 6 cases of curity targets and along the access routes to several key commanders were IED discoveries yielded a com- same constitutes the main external threat to made, the expanding operations bined 12 devices, and an addi- the safety of NGO operations in Herat.
NGO Incidents G HOR Year to Date 0 GHOR This Report Period 0 50 Despite the adverse weather con- 40 telecommunication company in ditions suppressing local conflict 30 the area, which the community developments, Ghor hosted a 20 also tied to the fact that the com- small number of incidents worth 10 analysis. pany rejected a local deal. While the fate of the villagers remains 0 In Shahrak, a local AOG led by a unknown, the incident highlights prominent commander who levels the fact that the discomfort felt GHOR AOG GHOR Crime influence over a large area across over AOG ambitions to control Shahrak, Tulak, and Chishti Sharif the communities will continue to (Herat province) abducted three shape the environment in this part local AOG presence. Whilst the former dis- villagers after they refused to pay of Ghor. trict is mainly controlled by domestic fighters, taxes to the opposition. This par- A look back into 2011 reveals that the latter hosts an amalgamation of local and ticular group has an established Helmandi fighters, with the command struc- reputation for reverting to direct with 5 cases in Shahrak and 3 in Taywara, the two districts experi- tures being based out of Helmand. The prox- intimidation whilst collecting taxes imity to the much more kinetic areas in the and transit tolls. Last December, enced a considerable number of NGO incidents which were di- South leaves the prospects for further AOG the same group also destroyed an consolidation in place. antenna newly erected by a private rectly or indirectly related to the THE ANSO REPORT Page 10
NGO Incidents ARAH Year to Date 0 FARAH F 50 This Report Period 0 Farah experienced a considerable 40 increase in AOG incidents com- going ANSF-IMF operations in 30 pared to the previous cycle, with the east of the province likely con- 20 tributed to the territorial distribu- actual numbers growing from 5 to 10 tion of AOG activity this cycle. 13. This was partially attributed 0 to an AOG push into the central In Bakwa, the AOG stronghold in districts such as Farah, Pusht Rod, the east, AOG attacks on security and Khaki Safed. These districts supply convoys continued in spite FARAH AOG FARAH Crime had been relatively quiet in the of the ongoing operations whilst anti-IMF sentiment, stirred after past three months and of note, trict where until recently the GOA, ANSF & the incineration affair, also re- AOG activity was also visible in IMF presence remained limited to the district mained high. This was noted the provincial capital. center and the IMF base along the border with Among 6 AOG incidents in the when approximately 200 locals Bakwa. The operation will likely meet with staged a second demonstration in aforementioned districts, two opposition, though thus far, the AOG riposte protest against the IMF operation were murders of civilians for their was limited to an effective IED strike on an on the 29th of February. In this association with GOA (Farah City ANSF convoy and an assault against a tempo- and Khaki Safid). 4 other cases operation the death of 1 AOG rary ANA camp. These two separate attacks member and the arrest of 3 locals were linked to direct attacks caused the death of 3 ANA soldiers and inju- accused of cooperation with against ANP check posts in Farah ries to 4 additional servicemen. A civilian was AOG was recorded and the on- City and Pusht Rod. In the for- also caught up in the fight and injured. mer location, the compound of a going IMF operations may stir up political party associated with a further protests. Indeed, IMF It is likely that the sudden ANSF-IMF pres- local female politician also re- continued to expand further east ence will be met with a larger AOG influx ceived a SAF attack. Besides the this cycle. Towards the end of the from the adjacent areas that will concentrate purely seasonal pattern of AOG period, large ANSF/IMF deploy- along the access routes from the district center. returning to the field, the on- ments moved into Gulistan, a dis-
NGO Incidents B ADGHIS Year to Date 0 BADGHIS This Report Period 0 50 AOG activity levels remained 40 tactical choice prolongs for the consistent with the previous cycle 30 long term or whether it remains a where a spike was notated follow- 20 time-limited outlier. ing weeks of low activity. Of 10 note, AOG intimidation tactics ANSF/IMF also shifted from 0 came to the fore this cycle. established patterns and moved In Murgab, AOG set a boy’s into Ab Kamari which has not school ablaze 3 days after seen much action since last April. BADGHIS AOG BADGHIS Crime ANSF/IMF conducted a major Clashes were reported this cycle operation in the area which elimi- and included 4 AOG casualties. quent clearing operation eliminated 5 AOG nated over 20 fighters from the Rather than a large-scale shaping fighters there. Besides the military moves in battlefield. In Muqur, which had operation, the ANSF/IMF initia- the district, the reconciliation process seems to also seen increased volumes of tive appeared complimentary to have gained further momentum with 50 AOG kinetic activity, 2 GOA census the operations in Muqur and members joining the APRP. AOG were quick officers fell pray to abductions on Kushk Kuna, and possibly target- to respond with 2 SAF attacks on ANP check 2 different occasions. This marks ed AOG temporarily relocating posts, pointing out to the fact that despite the a departure from established from the aforementioned districts. high numbers of defections, the process has trends as intimidation cases were ANSF/IMF were also visible in not translated into a significant downscale of typically rare with only 4 such Qadis, another district which has AOG activity so far and its long-term impact, events recorded in 2011. It re- seen little activity since last sum- as well as financial sustainability of the pro- mains to be seen whether this mer. An air strike and a subse- gram, remains questionable. THE ANSO REPORT Page 11
E ASTERN REGION
NGO Incidents UNAR KUNAR K Year to Date 0 100 This Report Period 0 In Kunar during the first half of 80 March, the environs of Asadabad shad, although without managing 60 recorded an elevated number of to inflict any casualties this time. 40 significant incidents, although the On the other side, the IMF and 20 provincial capital itself continued ANSF conducted two operations 0 to remain much safer than the in Sirkanay, as well as one in highly kinetic rest of the province. Marawara, which together led to the arrests of 7 AOG members, At the beginning of the period in KUNAR AOG KUNAR Crime Dam village, just to the south of and the killing of 3 in Ganjgal the town, an IED placed under a after AOG fighters offered re- sistance to the security forces. to Jalalabad; this was no coincidence, as Nurgal culvert was discovered by a child. is alone among all the districts bordering the While NDS EOD responders In the Pech valley system to the highway in not yet having an active ALP force. were examining the site, the de- west of Asadabad, a slight increase vice detonated injuring one NDS in AOG activity was discerned Overall, Kunar remains relatively subdued in member and a civilian. On the against previous periods, with the comparison with its summer highs, with the 6th, an AOG unit attacked an activity concentrated on ANSF on-going cold weather continuing to dampen ANSF CP near to the prison, 3 and IMF targets, as well as the the conflict dynamics. However, in spite of km north of the town; the attack Chapa Dara DAC. While the di- ever greater national security force numbers in was strong enough to warrant rect attacks did not cause any cas- Kunar, this summer’s fighting may be more support from IMF air assets that ualties, the 3 recorded IED deto- intense than previous years: an important pushed back the fighters to a for- nations each led to fatalities. In change had taken place in provincial AOG ested area nearby. The conse- Bar Kanday on the 6th, one IED leadership, with the previous, local Provincial quent air strikes killed 4 AOG prematurely detonated killings 2 Shadow Governor, known to be a relative fighters and injured 4 more, while AOG members, and another det- moderate, replaced by another individual from a local boy also died in the fire. onated next to a civilian motorcy- the southeast, who is likely to be less sensitive Later that day, NDS detained 2 cle, also killing 2. Lastly, in Wata to the local AOG order and the province’s Pakistani BBIED operatives south Pur’s Gorgish area, two ANA communities. The decision was likely made to of the town, disrupting what soldiers died and another sus- exploit the exit of an increasingly inactive IMF could have been a coordinated tained injuries when their vehicle presence in the province, and as such may lead suicide operation in the capital. hit a road-side device. to a more aggressive AOG posture in Kunar’s key battlegrounds over the coming months. This is of particular note as sui- Highway security up to Asadabad cide attacks are not an established remained good however, with Yet one factor that may restrain a significant TTP in Asadabad’s generally safe significant numbers of ALP de- increase in violence is increasing community environment. ployed to the roadway and the frustration with AOG activity, a potentiality Beyond this, Sirkanay to the east fields and bazaars along it, adding captured in one incident during the period. of the capital, and the Manogai- an extra layer of security to the Local villagers from Kolat village in the Pech Wata Pur corridor to its west con- ANA and ANP already deployed attacked a group of AOG members to stop the tinued to be the focal conflict are- in numerous places. The only latter planting IEDs on the main road to Asa- as in Kunar. In the former, AOG incident on the highway was a dabad; the villagers successfully stopped the cadres continued to focus their brief SAF attack on the convoy of emplacement, and destroyed 2 AOG vehicles kinetic attention on the ALP and the provincial governor as he in the process. ANP presence, particularly in Pa- passed through Nurgal on his way THE ANSO REPORT Page 12
NGO Incidents N ANGARHAR Year to Date 3 NANGARHAR This Report Period 1 50 On the 2nd in Sherzad, an NGO 40 their carriers being taken into cus- clinic received a direct hit during 30 an AOG IDF against the district tody. 20 center. The blast caused a struc- Secondly, the regime served the tural damage to the facility. Oth- purpose of reinforcing the active, 10 erwise, Jalalabad was the epicentre public manhunt for a leading 0 of security developments during commander and a former provin- the first half of March. First of cial council chairman. The com- all, two local NGO employees fell mander had become substantially NANGARHAR AOG NANGARHAR Crime victim to the same form of rob- more overt in his criminal activi- plosive ingredients. This prolonged the series bery in two separate incidents a ties during the second half of of substantial seizures of explosives in the last few days apart. Men on board a 2011, in the absence of any oppo- 3 months. motorcycle snatched and stole sition from the security forces or laptops from their shoulders as provincial government. However, ANSF measures indeed coincided with a not- they walked in the city; these inci- violent conflict with a leading ed increase in the larger forms of AOG opera- dents, likely conducted by a spe- businessman conducted openly in tions in the capital, reminiscent of the begin- cialized gang, are all the more no- Jalalabad in January 2012 brought ning of 2012’s AOG campaign in the city. A table for taking place after a sig- him to the attention of the nation- BBIED operative detonated himself at a new nificant reduction in petty crimi- al government, which early in the NDS CP in the central Pashtunistan Square in nality over the past 3 months period issued a warrant for his the early afternoon of the 4th, killing 2 NDS which was driven by an explicit arrest; having fled Jalalabad, he officers and injuring 2 more alongside 9 civil- ANP effort in this regard. was arrested in Kabul on the 12th, ians. Then on the 6th, a large IED struck the convoy of the regional ABP chief of staff, More substantially, there was a and the very public searches of his mildly injuring him and seriously injuring 2 in major increase in the number of properties in Jalalabad are likely what amounted to a lucky escape from a badly ANSF deployed to the city’s also aimed at sending a message timed detonation. Furthermore, on the 8th, an streets to enforce a new, much about ANSF willingness to con- ANP CP in Angur Bagh was hit by a large stricter regime of stop and search- front his supporters. IED which injured 9 policemen. ANP also es since the beginning of the Thirdly, the new ANSF measures discovered and control detonated a UXO in month, led by armed units of are of course also intended to in- Zone 1’s Amir-e Shaheed Bagh, indicating fur- NDS and ANCOP, the nazm-e crease the robustness of the gov- ther AOG efforts to place explosives around ama. Aimed at enhancing the ernment in the face of AOG at- the central GOA facilities located near the GOA’s monopoly over the use of tacks in the newly-transitioned park. force in the city and its environs, city, as well as to disrupt them as the new regime has three main they inevitably increase with the Elsewhere in the province, Bati Kot stood out objectives. First and perhaps arrival of spring. Some successes for the re-emergence of significant conflict most importantly, the forces have were seen in this regard too, most incidents, with AOG fighters attacking an IMF been enforcing a Kabul-level di- notably the detention of a driver convoy in Chardeh, and ANSF and IMF seiz- rective aimed at reducing the in Pashtunistan Square who was ing weapons and arresting a small number of number of unauthorised weapons transporting a vehicle filled with AOG members. IMF and ANSF also carried in circulation, particularly aimed at grenades and other explosives that out operations in Khogyani, Sherzad and the private armed guards of the the ANP announced was destined Achin. Given the security gains around the province’s influential figures, for Kapisa. Furthermore, an provincial capital, IMF are likely to continue to many of whom have found their ANP search of a shop in Ahmad concentrate their efforts on these insecure ru- arms licenses not renewed. To Zia Safi market in Zone 1 yielded ral districts through the year, or until the ex- this end, dozens of AK-47s, pis- a weapons cache discovery, while pected transition of to ANSF control in the tols, shotguns and knives were in the Customs House area, NDS summer. seized at CPs across the city, with seized a vehicle transporting ex- THE ANSO REPORT Page 13
NGO Incidents L AGHMAN Year to Date 0 LAGHMAN 50 This Report Period 0 Laghman’s most notable develop- 40 ment was the GOA’s ostensible Shah has never hosted any domi- 30 success in bringing approximately nant IEA presence. As such, 20 90 AOG members from Dawlat while the disarming of any armed 10 Shah to the APRP, who handed actors comes with inherent bene- 0 over roughly the same amount of fits, the renditions of HIG fight- small arms as a part of the deal. ers are coming from a higher po- This is the single largest group to litical agenda heavily focused on LAGHMAN AOG LAGHMAN Crime have chosen to join the APRP in maintaining relevance in a chang- the eastern region up to this point, ing political environment, and as GOA line department employee in the Chel and comes a month after another such are not necessarily related to Mati area of Mehtarlam. As such, while securi- 30 alleged AOG members joined IMF or GOA effectiveness at the ty in the provincial capital itself continues to the process in the district. These district or provincial level. That be stable with effective ANSF denial of AOG two groups amount to a consider- being said, it remains a positive presence, in villages and areas even relatively able percentage of active armed development for the district’s se- close to the town AOG activity of the above actors in Dawlat Shah which has curity situation. kind continues unabated. The AOG operating otherwise remained the district By contrast, there were no signs in the Char Bagh area was a little quieter, outside of significant GOA influ- that IEA cadres in the province planting just one IED that was subsequently ence in recent years. However, were inclined to similarly reconcil- discovered and defused. Similarly in Surkha- while these appear to be clear suc- iatory stances. In Mehtarlam’s kan and along the Highway in Qarghayi, no cesses for the IMF and GOA, it is Maryam village, 2 locals were shot security incidents were recorded, prolonging important to note the factional by AOG gunmen, one killed and the extended period of good road safety condi- identity of the groups involved. one injured, because of their jobs tions on the province’s stretch of the Highway, Both groups actually operated working as labourers at the PRT, a fact which is likely to change in case Tork- under HIG command and Dawlat while a further killing targeted a ham reopens to IMF supply convoys.
NGO Incidents PAKTYA P AKTYA Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 With harsh weather conditions 40 still in place, Paktya continued its and the discovery of a cache of 10 30 sustained lull in conflict-related IEDs. This made it the most con- 20 activity and for instance remained sequential solo ANSF operation 10 to have ever taken place in dis- devoid of AOG attacks this cycle. 0 trict. ANP arrested 2 locals in the The majority of the meagre 7 inci- DAC area of Zurmat for alleged dents were ANSF and IMF opera- cooperation with AOGs. tions, focused on Zurmat and Jaji. PAKTYA AOG PAKTYA Crime In Zurmat, IMF detained 5 fight- Paktya can be expected to pick up ers, including one mid-level com- again considerably once the mander, whilst a similar operation weather warms, but for the time in Jaji lead to the arrest of 2 and being, it remains, alongside the the seizure of some ammunition. similarly high altitude Nuristan, Also in Zurmat, an ANA/ABP the quietest province in the bor- force conducted a clearing opera- der region. tion that netted 6 AOG members, THE ANSO REPORT Page 14
NGO Incidents K HOST Year to Date 2 KHOST This Report Period 1 100 As with Nangarhar, Khost was 80 home to 2 NGO incidents. At dent was assessed as criminally 60 the beginning of the period, an motivated, driven by local com- 40 IMF helicopter landed near to an mercial interests rather than by 20 NGO-run clinic in Sabari. The AOG agenda. 0 clinic was closed at the time. The Other than that, Khost continued soldiers flew out again after con- a period of unusual quiet that be- ducting a quick search. A short gan towards the end of February KHOST AOG KHOST Crime time later, a large detonation took as AOGs remained remarkably place inside the clinic, causing inactive. In Khost city, there were the Shamal DAC hosted the only AOG direct damage to its structure and con- just 2 IED detonations beyond attack. tents. Beyond these basic facts, the above NGO incident. One a the details remain opaque. Disre- IMF and ANSF authored the rest including a premature detonation of a device garding the circumstances, the dozen IED discoveries, and 7 significant oper- placed in a tree in the Traffic incident illustrated the on-going ations. These led to the detention of a total of Chawk area, and the other a mag- vulnerabilities of NGO collateral 12 AOG members, including two mid-level netic IED affixed to an ANP ve- involvement including for such commanders, and the killing of 3 more when hicle which detonated without isolated facilities. IMF responded to disrupt an attempt of an causing casualties. In the south- AOG cell to place IEDs in Khost’s Mangas The second incident took place eastern Laken area of Khost dis- area. In all therefore, Khost has seen its least within Khost city at the end of the trict, an IED detonated against an intense period of conflict since the winter of period, when a small IED deto- ANP vehicle, injuring 2 policemen 2009/10; although this is a substantially posi- nated outside another NGO-run and 3 civilians. Another IED tive sign, it is reasonable to assume that the medical facility. Being the second strike against a security force vehi- conflict will resume in the coming 2 months in of its kind since January, the inci- cle was recorded in Tani, whilst line with the established trends.
ANSO VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:
We are presently recruiting for various Regional Safety Advisor positions. If you have NGO experience, an analytical background, and a desire to be challenged, all the while being a member of a close knit team, you are encouraged to forward a cover letter, CV, and 2 substantive writing samples to [email protected]. Please refer to ANSO RSA Vacancy in the subject line of your email. THE ANSO REPORT Page 15
S OUTHERN REGION
NGO Incidents KANDAHAR K ANDAHAR Year to Date 1 100 This Report Period 0 80 Kandahar Province hosted a vari- ety of serious incidents during the near a joint IMF/ANP patrol, 60 report period, including a rogue wounding five IMF soldiers, two 40 attack on Afghan villagers by an Afghan civilian interpreters, one 20 IMF soldier which resulted in 16 ANP officer and three civilians 0 civilian deaths and galvanized the near to the blast site. debate over the pace of withdraw- IEDs continued to degrade the al of NATO forces. security environment in the prov- KANDAHAR AOG KANDAHAR Crime Kandahar City continued to expe- ince, with over a dozen of strikes rience large numbers of targeted during the last two weeks. Two not under explicit AOG orders, is most likely killings, both of civilian and ANP and one civilian were killed of little comfort to IMF/ANSF leadership. ANSF targets. AOG gunmen in Arghistan District as an Certainly, AOG infiltration remains a serious shot and killed ANSF members RCIED struck their vehicle while concern. However, this incident shows the on six separate occasions in the on patrol. RCIED strikes against depth of anti-IMF sentiment amongst the gen- city, including two shootings in ANSF vehicles also occurred in eral population, as reinforced by the numerous District 3, another four in District Panjwayi and Maiwand Districts, protests which took place last month. with a total of four ANP killed 9. Civilians were targeted on While the Zhari incident highlighted the ‘trust three other occasions, including and another eight wounded. Last- ly, in Dand District, an IED deficit’ between IMF and ANSF, the most im- one incident where a local journal- pactful incident would take place 10 days later ist was shot by two AOG mem- mounted on a stationary motorcy- cle struck a local civilian vehicle, when an IMF soldier left his post in Panjwayi, bers on a motorcycle, again in and proceeded to methodically shoot and kill Kandahar’s sprawling District 9. killing two and wounding another three civilians. 16 Afghan civilians living in a nearby village. Direct attacks were also carried Although there has been no outburst of pro- out on ANSF check-posts on Despite AOG activity levels, two tests on the scale of last month’s, isolated pro- eight other instances, including IMF-related incidents outside of tests have occurred in Jalalabad as well as three in the city. The level of ten- AOG control dominated the cy- Qalat City, the affair brought short-term impli- sion within the city is likely the cle. The first occurred at the be- cations and has a potential to shape the envi- cause of three incidents within the ginning of the report period, ronment for IMF-GOA cooperation in the past two weeks in which civilians when a Afghan police trainer in future. In the aftermath of the killings, a dele- were shot in ‘force protection Zhari District shot and killed two gation consisting of senior ANSF officials as shootings’ after being challenged IMF soldiers, in addition to two well as the Governor of Kandahar was at- by ANSF at a checkpoint. ANP officers, before being killed tacked in Panjwayi by unknown gunmen on One of the most notable direct himself. The motivation behind the 13th as they attempted to participate in a attacks outside of the city oc- this has been attributed to anger memorial ceremony for those killed. It is still curred in the village of Karz, in over the ‘incineration’ affair last not known if the gunmen were AOG or angry Dand District, as a suicide attack- month. The fact that this indi- family members and neighbours seeking er detonated his explosive vest vidual was acting on his own, and vengeance. THE ANSO REPORT Page 16
NGO Incidents H ELMAND Year to Date 0 HELMAND This Report Period 0 100 Helmand has maintained its dubi- 80 a vigorous debate amongst politi- ous title as one of the most vio- 60 lent provinces in the country. cians and pundits regarding the This report period featured an timeline of future withdrawal 40 enormous number of incidents, from the country. 20 66, many of which involved seri- ANSF continued their efforts to 0 ous injuries and fatalities. minimize the threat of IEDs and neutralized improvised charges on The most prevalent threat came HELMAND AOG HELMAND Crime from IED strikes, as 15 such inci- 11 separate occasions. In the most noteworthy case, NDS dents were recorded over the past cycles taking place virtually in all districts of agents discovered a TownAce two weeks. Victims included the province. Of these, the most notable was minivan rigged as a VBIED in IMF, ANSF, and AOG, yet the an IMF airstrike called in after AOG members Nad Ali District and an IMF dis- largest number of IED casualties were observed planting IEDs in the Safiyano posal team neutralized the device. came from civilians. In Koh-E- area of Khanashin District. Three AOG mem- In another incident, a would-be Pak village in Nad Ali District, bers were killed and another two were serious- BBIED attacker was captured at a two AOG members were killed ly injured. Elsewhere, the majority of ANSF private house in the Toor Tangi while positioning an IED along- operations consisted of search operations area of Lashkar Gah District, with side the main road. In a similar which yielded substantial amounts of weapons, NDS seizing the suicide vest be- incident, one AOG member was ammunition and explosives. In Lashkar Gah fore it could be utilized. killed and another four wounded City, three heavy machineguns were seized as the IED they were attempting This report period has seen an from a house near the DAC, along with nu- to place inside a civilian house increase in poppy eradication ef- merous boxes of ammunition. In Regi village prematurely detonated. In inci- forts, primarily by the Afghan of Washer District, one AOG was killed as dents involving civilians casualties, Eradication Force (AEF). Over IMF/ANSF troops raided a house found to two children were wounded when the past two weeks, there have contain several rocket launchers, a dozen rock- an IED detonated in the village of been four incidents in which AEF ets, small arms and a over 400 kg of opium. Dana, in Naw Zad District. Two nits came under AOG attacks. One last incident in the province deserves more civilians were killed when AOG presumably protect crops mention. The killing of 16 civilians by an IMF their private vehicle was struck by and farmers from which they de- soldier earlier this week in Panjwayi generated a roadside IED in the Tankano rive some level of ongoing finan- new levels of distrust between IMF and their Godar area of Nawa-i-Barakzayi. cial support. In the Shawal area, national counterparts. In a bizarre denoue- Lastly, seven members of the AEF members successfully re- ment to the last two weeks’ events, an Afghan same family were killed as an IED pelled an attack killing five AOG worker in Camp Bastion attempted to drive a was detonated inside their resi- members and capturing their service truck into the US Marine Honor Guard dence in Nahri Sarraj District. commander, as well as several awaiting the arrival of the US Secretary of De- motorcycles. In the district of The most high profile IED inci- fence, who had travelled to the region to sooth Marja, two AEF members were dent also occurred in Nahri Sarraj, frayed nerves amongst Afghans and allies alike. killed when AOG gunmen where an enormous RCIED Although no one was injured except for the opened fire at an eradication site struck the underside of an ar- attacker, who was killed, this incident once near Trikh Nawar village. AEF moured IMF vehicle, killing all six again underscored the vulnerability of IMF to also clashed with AOG on two IMF soldiers inside. This repre- the emerging depth of anti-IMF sentiment in other occasions in Marja, but the sented the single largest loss of the country. life to enemy action for the Unit- fights did not cause casualties. ed Kingdom since its deployment ANSF/IMF operations were also to Afghanistan, and has generated more numerous than in previous THE ANSO REPORT Page 17
NGO Incidents Z ABUL Year to Date 0 ZABUL 100 This Report Period 0 Zabul province has experienced a 80 significant increase in incident AOG members and two vehicles 60 volumes over the past report peri- stolen from Kandahar City last 40 od, a jump from eight total inci- month. 20 dents in the second half of Febru- Moreover, ANP were responsible 0 ary to 22 for this current period. for IED discovery and disposal The increase is primarily due to on six other occasions, in Shahjoy, ANSF operations, with ANP Mizan and Shamulzayi Districts. ZABUL AOG ZABUL Crime search operations being the most A roadside IED near Kala Khel common incident type. was safely control-detonated, the program formerly known as the local de- Police search operations took while in an area near the Mizan fense initiative which is aimed at the creation place on six separate occasions, DAC, a routine ANP patrol iden- of village-level militias loosely under the con- with Shahjoy and Qalat Districts tified a ‘daisy-chain’ of eight trol of ANSF. AOG and direct actions against accounting for the majority of IEDs. The remaining four inci- those involved in the program, such as last them. In Shahjoy’s Kajir Khel dents all occurred in the Shamilza- month’s targeted killing of a tribal leader in and Kala Khel villages, two yi District, with successful dispos- Uruzgan for supporting the creation of local searches resulted in the detention al in Kandwalo and Shahak, as ALP units, are expected to increase as the pro- of a total of five AOG members well as two near its DAC. Of gram expands in the South; those of an opti- as well as the seizure of 13 IEDs, note is the appearance of nights mistic bent would interpret AOG focus on the and a small amount of weapons letters posted on the walls of the program as a recognition of its potential effec- and ammunition. In the villages Zara Jama mosque in Qalat; the tiveness though its opponents would usually of Kharwariyano and Senak, both letters warned residents against emphasize the fact that ALP are often poorly in Qalat District, another two working with GOA, and in partic- vetted & trained and their loyalty to GOA and ANP incursions netted three ular not to participate in the ALP, to the communities far from certain.
NGO Incidents U RUZGAN Year to Date 0 URUZGAN This Report Period 0 50 Incidents levels appear to be on 40 the rise in Uruzgan, with the struck by a roadside IED, howev- 30 province hosting 36 incidents, a er the official escaped unhurt. 40% increase over February’s fig- Also in Dihrawud District, near 20 ures. The series of demonstra- the village of Shahidano, another 10 tions related to the incineration RCIED struck a passing ANP 0 affair in Bagram that dominated patrol, seriously damaging two vehicles. Tirin Kot during the last report URUZGAN AOG URUZGAN Crime period did not continue. Further- Near Kash, in Chora District, more, the possibility of new AOG members ambushed an ons. The incident exposed the potential vul- demonstrations related to the ANP patrol and exchanged SAF. nerability of the ALP due to its vetting mecha- Panjwayi killings have thus far not Yet, it was another close-range nisms and the quick release of the recruits to materialized. attack which came to the fore and the field. Tactical infiltration by AOG is a IED strikes made up a significant fed into the debate on the ALP. concern event within the regular ANSF bodies, proportion of the incident vol- Near the village of Surki Manda in with IMF complaining of lax screening proce- umes, with seven incidents in to- Char Chino District, an AOG dures that cannot identify potential AOG sym- tal. Near Musazayi village in Tirin member who had infiltrated a pathizers or actual operatives. With respect to Kot District, two ANP were killed group of ALP recruits turned his the ALP, with even less oversight from the top and their vehicle severely dam- weapon on his comrades, man- in place, AOG might be able to further capital- aged in an RCIED blast. In Dih- aged to kill the entire squad and ize on the current pressure from both GOA rawud District, near the DAC, the subsequently left with all of the and IMF to accelerate the ALP expansion. ANP district chief’s vehicle was squad’s personal and heavy weap- THE ANSO REPORT Page 18
NGO Incidents P AKTIKA Year to Date 0 PAKTIKA 100 This Report Period 0 Incident levels in Paktika re- 80 mained low, with both 60 men’ targeting civilians with tragic 40 ANSF/IMF and AOG returning consequences. In the village of 20 to the relative lull of January. Turwo, a group of gunmen set fire 0 Indirect attacks, consisting of to a civilian house, killing five mortar and rocket attacks, made children and one woman. In the up the majority of AOG activity, area of Millat Qalan, in Urgun with what can only be described District, there were two incidents PAKTIKA AOG PAKTIKA Crime as harassing fire directed at several wherein armed men gunned down DACs in the province as well as a civilian, with no claim of re- ANP with SAF as they were guarding a girls’ IMF facilities. Such attacks oc- sponsibility issued by AOG. In school in Sar Hawza District during the report curred against the DACs of Bar- most cases of targeted killing in period. What remains to be determined is if mal, Gayan and Ziruk, with a total the past, AOG were quick to ad- the attack was motivated by a desire to attack of eleven rockets fired at the three vertise the reason for their actions the girls’ school, something that AOG has thus targets. No injuries or damages – most commonly the victim’s far largely refrained from doing, or if the attack were reported in connection with perceived collaboration with was aimed primarily at the ANP soldiers them- these incidents. ANSF & IMF or GOA. AOG selves. There have been no confirmed reports In what may be interpreted as silence on the recent killings most of threats directed at staff or the school in re- cases of intimidation and targeted probably indicates local disputes cent weeks or months. killing, the cycle experienced three or criminal attacks. incidents of ‘unknown armed Lastly, AOG attacked several
NGO Incidents G HAZNI Year to Date 0 GHAZNI This Report Period 0 50 The province of Ghazni has seen 40 a slight drop in incident levels, Khan, however, the attack includ- 30 primarily due to a decrease in ed mortars and heavy weapons, ANSF/IMF operations. AOG and lasted for over 90 minutes. 20 attacks and IED strikes remained Two ANA soldiers were severely 10 wounded as a result of the en- at historical levels for this time of 0 the calendar year, when climate gagement.
still plays a role in limiting AOG Other AOG activity included am- GHAZNI AOG GHAZNI Crime movement. bushes of ANSF convoys; on the District Administrative Centers in outskirts of Chardiwal village, in IEDs did not figure prominently in the inci- the province continue to be a Andar District, a sizable force of dent profile for the report period. In Dih Yak common target for AOG attacks. AOG engaged two ANSF vehi- District, near the village of Tasang, an IMF The DACs of Zana Khan, Andar cles, which managed to escape vehicle on patrol received a direct impact and Giro all endured direct attacks without sustaining significant which caused serious injuries to three IMF by AOG. The strikes on Andar damage. Two days later, another soldiers and two Afghan interpreters. In the and Giro were typical of local ambush of ANA vehicles in the area of Arzo Bala, in Ghazni District, an AOG tactics, that is, a short appli- same area resulted in minor inju- RCIED detonated against a passing ANA con- cation of SAF and then disengage- ries to two ANA soldiers and voy and essentially destroyed two vehicles. ment before serious casualties can damage to their vehicle. Two ANA were killed and an additional two be inflicted by the defending There were several notable IED sustained injuries in the blast. ANSF/IMF forces. In Zana incidents, however as a whole, Contact List Dr. Mukhtar Nathan Vacant Peter Naseer Camille Brian Tomas COUNTRY CENTRAL Sayed Taro WEST SOUTH Rory EAST NORTH Firoz Patrick ernor Security Afghan Indirect PSC Program Police ACG SAF
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