THE ANSO REPORT -Not for Copy Or Sale

The Afghanistan NGO Safety Office Issue: 69 1 - 15 March 2011

ANSO and our donors accept no liability for the results of any activity conducted or omitted on the basis of this report. THE ANSO REPORT -Not for copy or sale-

Inside this Issue COUNTRY SUMMARY Central Region 2 In the CENTRAL region, are fired at the Ariana Hotel in Sabari area and AOG 7 Northern Region AOGs are returning, in num- in Taloqan. The IMF OP in have responded with IEDs. Western Region 15 bers, to both Logar and War- Burka, Baghlan province In Kunar, the IMF reloca- Eastern Region 18 dak. The premature detona- continues while an NGO tion from the Pech valley tion of a BBIED in Chaki employee was found dead inspires AOG response, 24 Southern Region Wardak district, of the latter, in mysterious circumstances while mortars impact ANSO Info Page 29 suggesting some inexperi- in Dushi district. In Jaw- Asadabad. In Nangahar, enced new members. In zjan, AOGs form check- two IEDs target a political Daykondi, AOG continue to posts on the main roads rally in Jalalabad - aimed at YOU NEED TO KNOW struggle for freedom of between Shibergan and unseating the provincial • Unprecedented levels of movement in Kajran and Andkhoy and Mazar. In Governor - while others seasonal violence in Hel- Gizab. In Parwan, a female Samangan, the IMF target target music shops in an mand NGO worker is murdered on AOG in Dari-Suf. In intimidation campaign. • Ongoing political instability her way to work, while a Badakshan, crude IEDs Suicide devices target the in Nangahar group of seven Taliban strike two separate NGOs DAC of Sherzad and an • Nuristan is in transition - to “reconcile” in Ghorband. in acts of intimidation while IMF convoy in Bati Kot. AOG control in Sar-i-Pul seven previ- In Nuristan, AOG con- In the NORTHERN re- ously reconciled AOG re- tinue to consolidate power • Ongoing spectacular attack gion, BBIEDs target ANP capability in Kunduz turned to being AOG. and isolate the ANSF who leadership and new recruits are now without IMF sup-

in Kunduz, in an ongoing In the WESTERN region, port. In Laghman, an IED campaign of assassination rockets target the Herat ANSO is supported by kills a Provincial Council and intimidation, especially in airport while a member of member while in Paktya a Chahar-Dara, while in Imam the upper house of parlia- small IED injures two in a Sahib the Taliban Shadow ment was temporarily ab- a vegetable market. District Governor is killed in ducted in Chisti-Sharif. In an IMF raid. In Chimatal, Farah, NGO staff were In the SOUTHERN re- Balkh an NGO compound is embroiled in arrests of sus- gion, the combination of robbed by up to 30 armed pected AOG while in Ghor indiscriminate and targeted men while AOG are return- an unusually high profile killing continues to take a ing to Chahar Bolak. In attack targeted the District massive toll on both the Faryab, AOG reconcile in Governor of Charsada. ANSF and civilian popula- Maimanna, while in the tion. In Nimroz the ANBP Dashta-Laili area of Dawlata- In the EASTERN region, arrested ANP carrying bad a BBIED targets the IMF have significantly 50kgs opium in an ANP convoy of the provincial po- stepped up their operational vehicle. lice chief. In Takhar, RPGs tempo in Khost, particularly THE ANSO REPORT Page 2

C ENTRAL REGION

NGO Incidents KABUL KABUL Year to Date 2 50 This Report Period 0 Political violence initiated by 40 AOGs in Kabul Province re- in the hands of IEA fighters, at- 30 mained limited to a single RPG tended by thousands including top 20 round shot from a distance in Uz- GOA officials and other VIPs in 10 Dashte Barchi, AOG attacks bin Valley, presumably targeting 0 an ANP post. The events in other against public places & venues regional centers in the North & have not resumed.

East of the country undoubtedly Shakardara rose to prominence KABUL AOG KABUL Crime shaped the threat reporting for with this cycle’s single IED place- the capital city, which continued ment & discovery (in Baghi Man- between two Kuchi clans, during which the in the usual volumes and included galay). The discovery marked just leader of one of the parties was killed. The mostly generic reports on AOG the third seizure of an emplaced consequent shootout led to an additional three operations. Typical targets IED for this district in ANSO casualties inflicted by the harmed qawm in re- (security-related or high-profile, data collection since its inception, taliation. Reportedly, the elders engaged in ne- incl. public venues) and patterns in addition to a single (RC)IED gotiations while ANSF stayed away from the (close-range IED and complex detonation in November 2008, conflict. The incident is reminiscent of the attacks, multiple indirect fire at- presumably intended for, but January clash in the informal settlement of tacks) dominated the reporting. missing, an IMF convoy. In the Charaye Qambar, PD 5, also featuring a killing The time-line remains more of a neighbouring Paghman, gas cylin- and an ensuing fight, following the escalation specific factor, since mid- to late- ders filled with explosives were of a community dispute (in this case, peace was March coincides with several high located and secured on two occa- brokered by the intervention of an elderly who -profile events, including an ex- sions along the district roads in arrived for this purpose from Urozgan, and the pected speech on the Transition by Paghman (Arghandi Payeen and ANP arrested the individual charged with the the President during the Naw- Karezak Arghandi). initial murder). NGOs with operations in the rooz, public events and celebra- Conflicts over resources (access to informal settlements, where resources are of- tions linked to the new year, re- land, water but also to services ten scarce and tensions extremely high among newal of UNAMA mandate by provided by third parties) are not the neighbours, will always benefit from main- UNSC, and the IMF leadership’s unheard of in the region, and one taining a discrete awareness of similar disputes report on the security process so such report came to light during in order to avoid the eventual repercussions on far. Despite several ‘occasions’ this cycle. The late February in the programming, and adversely, to prevent such as the commemoration of Bagrami saw a violent clash over a the programming from becoming a stake in the violent death of Baba Mazari long-standing land issue erupt such conflicts.

NGO Incidents PANJSHIR Year to Date 0 This Report Period 0 Following the agricultural achieve- ments of the previous period, and side Bamyan and Kabul (with the once again devoid of significant exception of Surobi). This process - no image file - security incidents, Panjshir came merely reflects the fact that the to the fore with the GOA & province remains virtually un- IMF’s announcement of the prov- touched by the overall political ince being slated for the first conflict, a trait which is likely to round of security transition along- persevere in the future. THE ANSO REPORT Page 3

NGO Incidents LOGAR Year to Date 1 LOGAR 50 This Report Period 0 AOG return from the winter 40 break, as well as accounts of addition to an AOG IDF attack, 30 AOG coordination for the spring all of these coming after the fatal 20 clash in Charkh. campaign, were the constant fea- 10

tures of security reporting from In the morning of 28 February, a 0 Logar this period. An assembly of joint IMF/ANA unit came under AOG leaders in Baraki Barak, close-range SAF & RPG attack in called after the large IMF-led push Charkh DAC. After the IMF and LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime in Charkh, reportedly saw the IEA ANP took positions inside a and HIG leaders exchange, in a building, the incoming fire caused and another IED facilitator detained. Several cooperative manner, their views the structure to collapse, burying other arrests followed later on, with the AOG on the steps forward. Needless to several operatives under rubble. 1 riposting by an inaccurate RPG attack against say, such coordination stands in IMF, 4 ANA and their civilian an ANP CP in Charkh DAC. It is also known, blunt opposition to the develop- translator were killed, and an addi- however, that an important Charkh com- ments in the neighbouring Nirkh tional 3 IMF sustained injuries mander managed to relocate to Baraki Baraki of Wardak, where the IEA pur- during the course of action. The & Puli Alam, and alongside the cousin of his sues a hostile stance towards the incident sparked a series of joint deceased colleague, joined the coordination local HIG network. Incident re- IMF – ANA operations focused efforts mentioned above. porting has so far included 5 inci- on the disruption of a local AOG dents in Muhammad Agha (two network, presumably responsible In this context, NGO access strategies com- IED emplacements on the Kabul for the 28 February attack. At bined to the local awareness, stakeholders’ ac- – Logar road, and three police least two local IEA commanders ceptance and the parties’ willingness to recog- actions in the traditional hotspots (incl. a cousin of a reputed com- nize NGOs as neutral humanitarian actors will of AOG activity) and a series of mander based in Baraki Barak) remain critical preconditions for NGO safety IMF-led operations in Charkh in were killed in the targeted strikes, during the up-coming spring season.

NGO Incidents DAYKUNDI DAYKUNDI Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 The restive southern districts of 40 Kajran and Gizab hosted all 6 RCIED strike against an IMF SF 30 detachment, for which one IMF incidents (4 AOG initiated) re- 20 ported from Daykundi this cycle. soldier was killed while another A brief look at the distribution member received injuries. Five 10 patterns clearly illustrates AOG’s RPGs were fired towards the 0 operational focus on controlling ANP checkpost in Tangi Sufla the access routes between Area, Kandoha Village, which is Daykundi, Urozgan & Helmand, home to the Kajran Chief of Po- DAYKUNDI AOG DAYKUNDI Crime an infrastructure of convenience lice. In Kotale Chawdar, on the for migration between different Nili – Urozgan - Kandahar Road, removed from the Gizab-Kiti Road, and an operational areas and safe heavens AOG detained several trucks pro- accurate IED strike (unknown type) targeting outside these provinces. ceeding from Kandahar and re- the vehicle of an NDS officer, completed the quested the occupants to pay pas- In Kajran, the road networks cut- picture in the neighboring Gizab District. sage fees. According to local re- ting across areas bordering Hel- ports, the occupants managed to AOG efforts in Kajran & Gizab will likely per- mand and Urozgan are a defining negotiate their release without any sist, in minimal for the short term as AOG geographical trait of insecurity. payments. An additional two IED operatives will continue to transit via Daykundi Indeed, this cycle, AOG in Bala incidents, a pressure-plate device on their way South. Dasht carried out an effective THE ANSO REPORT Page 4

NGO Incidents KAPISA KAPISA Year to Date 1 50 This Report Period 0 Security dynamics in Kapisa fol- 40 lowed the trends of the previous cache containing five 122mm 30 period, although the AOG- rockets. Preference for indirect 20 engagements and orientation on initiated incidents confirmed so 10 far dropped down to just three softer civilian targets for close- 0 cases. On the positive note, range attacks demonstrate the NGOs managed to avoid perva- momentary disengagement of sive risks of collateral involvement AOG due to the winter migration in kinetic operations and IEDs on as well as resulting from the con- KAPISA AOG KAPISA Crime the main access roads in the East. tinued pressure by IMF and ANSF on the AOG freedom of Nevertheless, in light of the antici- Meanwhile, in the West, reports came in this pated return of AOG effectives movement along the main roads. This cycle saw Nijrab outnumber period of increased IEA mobilization; in par- and the current proactive posture ticular a hasty enrolment of local recruits has of IMF & ANSF, the outlooks the incident volumes recorded in Tagab, with local AOG activity been recorded, accompanied by distribution of remain gloomy for the spring sea- IED materiel in order to conduct autonomous son. Although far away from the focused on IED emplacement. Two pressure-plate devices were IED strikes broadly aimed to challenging the volumes and lethality in the East, movements of ANSF and IMF. If confirmed, the Western districts are increas- found on the district roads in Miya Khel and Qanda Khel, such developments may mean increased risk ingly mentioned in relation to for NGOs both in terms of driving into victim AOG attempts at expansion. whereas the Qazen Area wit- nessed a more sophisticated de- -operated devices, as well as being targeted by Here, the shift in IED activity remote-controlled devices if mistakenly identi- from community-related disputes vice, consisting of two 107mm rockets rigged with a mobile- fied as ‘legitimate’ targets by inexperienced to AOG-authored attacks has be- operatives. A similar case of mistaken identity come a development of concern. phone operated trigger, and con- cealed under a culvert on the main was the likely motive behind an RCIED strike Two thirds of the 17 security inci- road. In Kharesh Dara, a local against an IO’s marked vehicle in Karezai, dents recorded during this cycle civilian was killed when a hand Mahmudi Raqi, in the late January. During this took place in the Eastern districts. grenade landed in a private resi- period, a pressure-plate IED was found and Tagab has reserved the monopoly dence. Although the context of removed from the same road, connecting on AOG combat initiatives with 2 the incident remains unclear, local Mahmudi Raqi to Kohistan, in Bako Khan, very similar indirect fire attacks sources linked the victim to an on Kohistan I. It is yet to be seen whether such against the IMF base, and a failed -going dispute. Public protection developments become a more permanent trait, attempt at ambushing and killing a force reportedly paid off when a or remain rather an outlier, largely resulting local civilian contractor providing local AOG commander was de- from a temporary pressure deployed by IMF & services for ANP in Dolan Area. tained in Qalai Ghani and handed ANSF on IEA troops in the East. IDF activity was underscored with over to IMF. an IMF/ANA discovery of a THE ANSO REPORT Page 5

NGO Incidents WARDAK Year to Date 1 WARDAK 100 This Report Period 0 Following an extremely quiet Feb- 80 ruary in Wardak, the incident vol- between June and December. The 60 early occurrence of indirect fire umes recorded this cycle remained 40 very low (coming at a pace of one against the DAC this year makes incident a day), although AOG this tactical choice a likely pattern 20 kinetic activity has already become for 2011. Also Maidan Shahr 0 more visible across the province. DAC witnessed two projectiles, probably mortars, detonating in More relevant than the actual sta- WARDAK AOG WARDAK Crime tistics, anecdotal reporting from the vicinity of an ANP post on the province pointed out the re- the Highway (south of DAC), while an additional two 107mm a single incident involving the music records turn of AOG troops in large num- business in Maidan Shahr. bers after the winter break, along- rockets were discovered in th side with serious coordination launching position in Qatar Sang, On 7 of March in the evening, a light IED efforts deployed by their leader- within range to the DAC. Staff’s exploded underneath a vacated mobile cart ship, in particular by the IEA PSG exposure to inaccurate IDF in the used as a CD and audio cassettes shop in the and centred on Jaghatu, Chaki provincial capital is a well known bazaar area of Maidan Shahr (on the Jalrez Wardak, Saydabad and Nirkh. risk for NGOs based in Maidan. Road). The blast occurred after when the area Undoubtedly, Wardak is once Excluding the latest strikes, 21 had already been vacated by shopkeepers and again heading towards a busy IDF attacks hit the DAC or its customers. During a follow-up search, a sec- spring season. proximity from April 2010 to ond similar device was located underneath an- January 2011 alone. other cart with audio & video records in the The core of AOG combat activity vicinity, and safely defused. Reportedly, both pertained to indirect-fire attacks. In Chaki Wardak, a district largely under control and governance of devices were equipped with a time-delay initia- Out of 4 such incidents, 2 were tor. Following the attack, local sources noticed respectively a multiple rocket and IEA, a suicide-vest BBIED pre- maturely detonated on its owner, a widely circulated rumour in the bazaar that a multiple RPG (long range) fire the concerned shop inventories included against ANP checkpoints in riding his motorcycle via Dawran Khel en route to the DAC in the ‘immoral’ video records. Despite the current Saydabad, with the latter injuring incertitude regarding the authors and their mo- an ANP serviceman. The attacks evening hours of 12 March. The timing in combination to the un- tivation, the devices were not designed to basically confirmed that the AOG cause severe casualties or damage. From a are only slowly getting in place in usual deployment of a suicide bomber in Chak (and pretty much wider perspective, IED attacks against music the areas where the IMF and shops are rather typical for the Eastern Region. ANSF regularly faced close-range in the rest of the province) sug- gest that the BBIED was rather In Jalalabad, such attacks represent a signature combat in 2010. That such return AOG activity which has been implemented so is accompanied by getting visibil- being transported than intended for use in the district. Indeed, only vigorously as to threaten the virtual collapse of ity on new GOA security struc- local audio records market. tures raised over the winter, in- four suicide attacks have been cluding OMLT-supported posts & captured for Wardak in ANSO IEA operational focus in the short term will patrols, logically increases AOGs data collection, distributed in the likely concentrate on stabilizing the 2010 secu- motivation to carry out harassing period between July 2007 and rity gains in Saydabad, Daymirdad, Jaghatu and stand-off IDF strikes with the January 2009. With one occur- Chak. IEA attacks against the HIG positions risks kept low for the operatives. rence in Maidan Shahr and three in Nirkh (currently frozen due to on-going Three consecutive RPGs were in Sayadabad, all four cases were negotiations, although reporting indicates also also sent towards the DAC of SVBIEDs intended for IMF or a running IEA deadline of 1 month for surren- Daymirdad. Quite rare until 2010 GOA targets. Besides the BBIED, der submitted to the HIG commander) remain - only two cases had been re- Chaki Wardak also featured one a possibility unless local elders, engaged in ne- corded in 2009 (both in June) - case of a pressure-plate IED dis- gotiations, convince the IEA leadership to pur- IDF attacks became a somewhat covery (emplaced on the road sue a more consensual accommodation of in- common occurrence throughout connecting the district to Jaghatu); terests. The roll-out of ALP will likely contrib- 2010 with 9 cases concentrated the remaining two IEDs related to ute to shaping the broad lines of IMF&ANSF and AOG operational focus in the said areas. THE ANSO REPORT Page 6

NGO Incidents PARWAN Year to Date 1 PARWAN This Report Period 0 50 A modest 7 security incidents 40 searches resulted in the discover- were recorded in Parwan during 30 this cycle, with the AOG-initiated ies of several artillery ammunition part concentrating on multiple caches, and a primed BM-1 20 indirect fire against IMF installa- (Jangal Bagh) in the vicinity of 10 tions in Baghram and Chaharikar. both bases. ANP efforts also 0 Both Bagram Airfield Base (in gained publicity with the ANP two instances) and the PRT base operation in Jebelussaraj during in Jangal Bagh, Chaharikar (one which the police force seized a PARWAN AOG PARWAN Crime incident) were exposed to accurate DShK anti-aircraft weapons sys- rocket attacks. NGOs generally tem. disputes & conflicts will likely continue to pose stayed out of harms way this cy- A brief look into 2011 data con- threats to the safety of NGO movement and cle, leaving the Deh Qazi killing firms a clear trend of IDF attacks operations in the near term. of an INGO young female trainer against IMF installations (63% out In the wider security picture, Afghan Peace in late January the only NGO inci- of 11 AOG-authored incidents and Reconciliation Program (APRP) came to dent recorded in Parwan this year. recorded so far). Combined to the fore with the first-ever recorded surrender In the evening of 5 March, air two IED detonations, the indirect of a local pro-IEA element in Parwan. The traffic at the Bagram Base was attacks outweigh in occurrence mentioned AOG consisted of seven local interrupted for an hour when the close-range attacks (2 direct vs. 9 fighters from Siyagerd, active in the areas of facility was hit by two rockets. indirect incidents), translating Taikhan and Yakhdara in the Ghorband Val- Both projectiles impacted inside AOG’s unwillingness to engage ley. The group surrendered seven AK47s and the perimeter, one directly on the IMF & ANSF directly. Direct es- three handguns. Local sources suggested that ramp damaging two air-assets, and calations remain largely reserved the fighters will likely join a local police force. another one in the technical back- to criminal targeting of individuals Whether this development is a temporary out- ground facility, failing to cause (with 5 cases including the Deh lier, or constitutes the beginning of a new re- damage as the charge did not Qazi NGO incident), or intimida- distribution of force in Ghorband, is yet to be detonate. ANP consequently ar- tion cases, for which hauling hand seen. rested eight local residents in the grenades into private residences remains a favourite option (2 The conciliatory echoes from Siyagerd were presumed point of origin. Three silenced by the 10 March suicide bombing in days earlier, two BM-1 rockets cases). Compared with the levels last year, AOG indirect attacks Kunduz. The assault targeted and killed the were reported impacting inside Kunduz Chief of Police, Gen. Sayed Kheli, a the Korean PRT in Jangal Bagh, increased (7 IDF attacks against 3 recorded during the same period close companion of Massud during the anti- while a third projectile impacted communist and civil warfare in Parwan and in an open area outside the pe- last year). This said, criminality & criminal violence, AOG’s IDF Kapisa. Prior to his deployment to Kunduz in rimeter of the base. There were August 2010, the commander served as the no accounts of casualties in any of and IED activity (mainly in prox- imity of IMF installations), and Provincial Chief of Police in his home prov- these attacks. Completing the pic- ince - Parwan. ture of AOG IDF activity, ANP exposure to the established pat- terns of armed resolution of local THE ANSO REPORT Page 7

N ORTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents KUNDUZ KUNDUZ Year to Date 1 100 This Report Period 0 Kunduz City was the focal point 80 of insecurity this reporting period 1400 on the 14th, when a suicide 60 with 2 separate BBIED attacks bomber detonated himself in the 40 taking place; 1 on the 10th target- ANA Recruitment Center, result- 20 ing the Provincial Chief of Police ing in at least 36 deaths (33 of 0 and one on the 14th targeting an them civilian, including 3 chil- ANA Recruitment Center. These dren) and 32 injured. The attack KUNDUZ AOG KUNDUZ Crime occurred in a district that ac- was initiated by a lone man on a counted for 5 of the province’s 16 motorcycle as civilians were in the total security incidents, with Cha- process of signing up to join the Kunduz, have pulled off four high profile at- har Dara accounting for a further ANA academy. This attack had a tacks, with reports continuing to surface that 7. similar casualty count to the they have the capabilities and the plans to carry BBIED that occurred at the Cen- out more. The first BBIED in Kunduz oc- sus Center in Imam Sahib on Feb- curred on the evening of the 10th AOG governance in the province was hit ruary 21st that killed 34 and in- at the Kafroshi Intersection of when the District Shadow Governor (DSG) of jured 53. This makes a total of 4 Kunduz City, when a suicide Imam Sahib was killed during an IMF night high profile BBIED attacks over th bomber detonated himself as the raid on March 4 in Moqori Ha village of Ba- the first 2 ½ months of 2011 Provincial Chief of Police (PCOP) sos Area. Reports indicate that this DSG had (there was also the BBIED that and his Deputy made their way been instrumental in coordinating attacks killed the District Governor of between a guest house owned by against IMF and ANSF targets throughout the Chahar Dara on February 10th). the PCOP and the Ariana Hotel. district. To put this in context, while there The IED resulted in the deaths of In all, 4 IEDs were discovered (other than were multiple IED attacks over 4 ANP—including the PCOP, the those that detonated) during the reporting pe- the same 2 ½ months last year, Deputy Chief of Police, and 2 riod, 3 of them in Chahar Dara District. Also there were no high profile BBIED ANP soldiers—with injuries to an in Chahar Dara, in Dorman Village on March attacks. Already this year, AOGs additional 8, including 1 civilian, 9th, IMF got into a fire-fight with an AOG that who are supposedly operating the Provincial Head of Security, resulted in the death of a local woman. from a diminished capability after and 6 ANP. a surge of military operations in The second BBIED occurred at THE ANSO REPORT Page 8

NGO Incidents BALKH Year to Date 3 BALKH 50 This Report Period 1 In Chimtal, an NGO compound in 40 sents a significant number of IED the Alburz Mountains was robbed 30 th related incidents in Chimtal, by 30 armed men on the 8 of 20 March. Indeed, a tangible increase where clashes made up the rest of of AOG activities in Chimtal and the insecurity in the district. 10 an IED detonation in Mazar-e An IED detonation occurred in 0 Sharif headlined a reporting period Mazar-e Sharif around Puli Tasadi that saw 27 total security incidents at 1250 on the 5th. Puli Tasadi is a BALKH AOG BALKH Crime take place, with one third of them bridge on the main Mazar – Puli (9) taking place in Mazar and prac- Khumri Road used mostly by Spring (sometimes referred to locally as “the tically one fourth of them (6) oc- IMF en route to the airport. Al- fighting season”), again reflected in increased curring in Chimtal. The incident though the IED did not destroy threat reporting. AOGs are increasing the vol- volumes represent over a 50% in- the bridge, 2 unexploded IEDs ume of their attacks at the same time as VIPs crease when compared to the same were later found nearby that—had and civilians are converging on Mazar for the reporting period in 2010, which they gone off—could have taken Nowruz celebrations, putting the city, district, saw only 17 incidents. out the entire bridge. Although and province at a somewhat heightened threat The Alburz Mountains sub-district the IED detonated on an IMF level. The government has sought to mitigate of Chimtal is a known AOG convoy (causing no injuries), it is these threats by increasing security in Mazar stronghold that is often used as a likely that the bridge itself was the substantially by creating “security belts” safe haven for AOGs when they main target. With the coming of around sections of the city, limiting movement, are chased from neighboring loca- Nowruz, and the Governor at the and bringing in surplus soldiers to create an tions. Prior to this incident, on the airport at the time of the detona- estimated excess 5,000 troops in Mazar and 27th and 28th of February (but only tion, destruction of the bridge along the main roads leading there. During the reported after March 1st), an IO could have constituted a symbolic celebration, with multiple reports surfacing contracted truck that was carrying gesture that the area around Ma- that AOGs have secured ANP and ANSF ve- food and goods broke down on the zar is not safe for the upcoming hicles and uniforms, even movements for 27th and was subsequently hijacked, Nowruz festivals. It could have those security forces will be severely limited. the driver abducted. 2 IO trucks further made those arriving from While questions are sure to arise whether this from the same group were ab- the airport take a road into town will in fact keep Mazar safe, it is sure to have a ducted in the same location (Masjid that passes through smaller vil- detrimental effect on many of the satellite ar- Safed Area) during their return the lages, where the ability to maintain eas where these troops are drawn from. This following day. Thus far it is un- security would have been signifi- could potentially create a window by which clear whether the trucks were sub- cantly compromised. IED deto- AOGs could operate or increase their presence sequently set on fire, but 2 of the nations in Mazar are extremely in other districts. There have been no previ- drivers were able to escape late that rare. ous AOG initiated incidents this year in Mazar, evening, while the 3rd remains at This cycle went under the shadow and only a combined 5 over the past 2 years. large. of increased threat reporting as Around the rest of the province, AOGs are Elsewhere in Chimtal, an IED the province prepared for the returning to Chahar Bolak and will likely create detonated on an IMF patrol in Joye coming Nowruz celebrations. further insecurity (including an IED attack on Shor Village on the 5th, and on the Nowruz will coincide with a sig- March 13th that killed 3 ANP soldiers), and 7th, in the same location, an AOG nificant increase in the number of Sholgara and Zari saw a number of incidents member was killed when the IED security forces deployed through- as well. There is a prevailing feeling that secu- he was planting detonated prema- out Mazar-e Sharif as VIPs and rity south of Mazar (Sholgara, Zari, and Ki- turely. Also on the 7th, ANP thousands of civilians make their shindih) may also be slowly deteriorating, per- opened fire on an AOG who was way to the city to celebrate the haps partially as a result of increased activity in in the process of emplacing an New Year on March 21st. Further, Chimtal and neighboring Dar-i Suf Payin. IED on the main road between the build up to Nowruz has corre- Checkpoints 7 and 8. This repre- sponded with the coming of THE ANSO REPORT Page 9

NGO Incidents FARYAB Year to Date 1 FARYAB This Report Period 0 50 Although Southern Faryab has 40 typically been the more insecure individual and 7 other AOG 30 half of the province, with known members’ deaths. Dawlatabad has 20 AOG strongholds in Qaysar, Al- seen significant AOG activity in 10 mar, Pashtun Kot and the areas the past, especially in the Jungal 0 bordering Darzab and Qush Tepa area where the previous roadside attack took place. In Jungal, 2 in Jawzjan, Northern Faryab also FARYAB AOG FARYAB Crime saw insecurity in Dawlatabad and unconfirmed reports surfaced that Shirin Tagab this period, both the individuals were stopping cars to ruary, 2 AOG attacks on ANP units occurred sites of recent significant events. talk with the drivers over the on March 4th. The district had seen 22 AOG th There were a total of 19 security weekend of the 11 (the same initiated incidents over the past 12 months. incidents this reporting period, weekend which accounted for 2 illegal checkpoints in Jawzjan), Also of note, an attack took place on March with 3 in Pahshtun Kot (2 of 2nd near Arab Shah Village, Khan Char Bagh these from IMF/ANSF joint pa- and on the 15th, in the Qaramqol District section of Jungal along District along the road just North of Andkhoy. trol engagements), 3 in Maymana Five armed men, believed to be members of an (including the surrender of 13 the Ring Road, an ANP patrol was attacked with SAF on the ACG, opened fire on 4 civilians riding motor- AOG members on March 5), 3 in cycles, killing 2 of them. This may be signifi- Qurghan, and 2 in Shirin Tagab. 15th. While the former events remain unconfirmed, it is possible cant because the area (the far north of Faryab) On the 5th of March, in the Dashti that illegal checkpoints which had has not historically been insecure, but it is ex- Laili area of Dawlatabad—the formerly been set up in the area tremely close to the location in Jawzjan where district where the provincial chief could return in the near future. an illegal checkpoint occurred this reporting of police had had his convoy at- period; a first for that particular stretch of tacked the PRP—a BBIED deto- In Shirin Tagab, the district where road. nated prematurely, causing the the BBIED detonated on the Buzkashi Field on the 26th of Feb- THE ANSO REPORT Page 10

NGO Incidents TAKHAR Year to Date 1 TAKHAR 50 This Report Period 0 Security shifts in Takhar often 40 appear linked to security in Kun- general. 30 duz. With security in Kunduz In Taluqan, 3 RPGs were fired 20 rapidly declining, as evidenced by towards a structure shared by an 10 the 2 recent BBIED attacks in IO and the Ariana Hotel in the 0 Kunduz City, Takhar seems to be early morning of the 10th. While 2 waiting breathlessly for the “other of the RPGs impacted harmlessly TAKHAR AOG TAKHAR Crime shoe to drop.” Thus far, Takhar in a nearby river, the 3rd hit a wall has witnessed only 8 security inci- that separated the Ariana Hotel cause AOG groups in the two areas act in con- dents this reporting period with 4 from the IO, making it difficult to cord, and sometimes because AOGs have fled taking place in Taluqan District ascertain which compound was from Kunduz to Takhar. With that in mind, and 2 in Baharak. Most notable the primary target. Although IO’s when reports surfaced about an increased amongst these was an RPG/SAF are often targeted by AOGs threat of BBIED attacks following the detona- attack on a structure physically throughout the country, the tion in Kunduz on the 10th, information sur- linked to both the Ariana hotel Ariana Hotel had recently re- faced that follow up attacks by the same group and an IO in Taluqan, the discov- ceived threats, and is presumed were likely to take place in either Taluqan or ery of 5 RCIEDs in Taluqan, and the likely target here. Nobody Kunduz City. While a 2nd BBIED attack did an IMF/ANSF operation in a was injured in the attack and there occur in Kunduz City on the 14th (see Kunduz local residence in Baharak on the were no further escalations in the section), Taluqan has thus far remained with- 3rd which brought about a public area. out such an incident. However, the threat re- demonstration on the 8th. Dem- Takhar’s AOG network has been mains credible, as it appears that the AOGs onstrations against IMF/GOA closely linked to that operating in operating in the province remain capable and military operations are becoming Kunduz, and generally speaking, intent on carrying out attacks against GOA/ more common throughout the when security has deteriorated in IMF targets, and may be further emboldened North, and with recent highly Kunduz, it has often led to a per- by the results that their counterparts in Kun- publicized incidents involving ceived shift in Takhar as well. duz have achieved. civilian casualties, the country in Sometimes this has happened be- THE ANSO REPORT Page 11

NGO Incidents BAGHLAN Year to Date 1 BAGHLAN This Report Period 1 50 .The news that Operation 40 marks, and that he had died in his Nowruz was recommencing in 30 sleep at home after taking pain Burka was overshadowed by the 20 somewhat mysterious death of an medication. The district is not a 10 NGO staff member who worked known AOG or ACG hub, and it at a basic health clinic in Larkhabi now seems that he may have died 0 Ha area of Kelagai (Dushi). In of natural causes (a heart attack or total, Baghlan saw only 8 security adverse reaction to the medicine), BAGHLAN AOG BAGHLAN Crime incidents over the entire reporting although foul play has not been period, with 3 of these occurring ruled out. In an unrelated inci- hold, and it has been confirmed that Operation in Puli Khumri, 3 in Burka and 2 dent in the same area, an ACG Nowruz will continue to target AOG strong- in Dushi. robbed the passengers of a private vehicle along the Dushi-Puli holds in Baghlan, Jawzjan and Faryab. At 0300 in the morning, on March Khumri main road. 2 incidents that came to light after the PRP, 13th, an NGO staff member was occurred in the District Administrative Center found dead at his home after leav- Operation Nowruz continued (DAC) of Dih Salah District on Feb 28th. 4 ing the clinic he worked at in with 2 operations in Burka Dis- th armed individuals, led by a former ANP offi- Dushi District. It was reported trict; one on March 8 in the Aka cer, opened fire on the District Chief of Police that he had gotten into a confron- Khel village where IMF killed 1 (DCOP). An hour after the ANP forced the tation with the son of the head of AOG and captured 3 others, and th ACG to retreat, the ACG fired 2 RPGs to- the Community Development another on March 9 in the wards the DAC. It is worth noting that hostili- Council (CDC) the day prior. It Tangimorch and Gulrang areas, ties towards the newly instated DCOPs have first seemed likely that was he was where 12 AOG members were occurred somewhat regularly throughout the killed as retribution, or from inju- killed. In this latter, it was alleged region. This was reportedly the case behind ries suffered during the alterca- that the dead included an AOG this incident, as well as many of the issues that tion, but later reports surfaced commander of some importance. have taken place in Badakhshan. that his body was free of violent Burka is a known AOG strong- THE ANSO REPORT Page 12

NGO Incidents JAWZJAN Year to Date 0 JAWZJAN This Report Period 0 50 Out of the 9 security incidents 40 desert, but were unable to proceed which took place in the province 30 this reporting period, 2 Illegal after the truck became stuck in 20 Checkpoints—both occurring mud. The driver was then 10 along frequently travelled sections robbed, beaten and released—his 0 of main roads—stand out. truck shot with an RPG—and the AOG proceeded back to the road JAWZJAN AOG JAWZJAN Crime The illegal checkpoints occurred where they reportedly abducted 2 this stretch of road (an average of 1 every 3 in Khwaja Du Koh District— other civilian vehicles, one with weeks over the past year), this is the first since along the main ring road between nationals working for an interna- January 27th, and with the abducted being re- Andkhoy and Shibirghan—and in tional company. The individuals leased on the 13th after a ransom was paid by Shibirghan District—along the Sar in the second vehicle, all of whom his family, there is a good possibility this was -e Pul - Shibirghan Main Road. It claimed no ties to any interna- the work of an ACG rather than an AOG. was the first illegal checkpoint tional entities, were released recorded along the stretch in Aside from this, Qush Tepa saw 2 incidents, shortly thereafter, but those from Khwaja Du Koh, however the and in Shah Mirza village in Khaniqa, a quiet the first remain unaccounted for. road between Sar-e Pul and district that has seen only 4 security incidents Shibirghan had witnessed 17 ille- The second illegal checkpoint, over the past year, a CDC Commander was th gal checkpoints over the last 12 which took place on the 12 dur- shot on March 8th, dying of his injuries the months (most of them further ing the day (1130) consisted of the following day. Finally, at the District Adminis- south in Sar-e Pul District, closer abduction of a businessman along trative Center in the AOG stronghold of Dar- to Sayyad). the oft used Shibirghan – Sar-e zab, where recent military operations had taken Pul main road. The event is nota- place, an ANP officer joined an AOG on Both checkpoints resulted in ab- ble as both the location (North of March 5th, and on the 8th, night letters were ductions. In Khwaja Du Koh on where these illegal checkpoints posted on Mosques in the district threatening the 10th a civilian truck which have typically occurred), and the those who work with ANSF, ANP or GOA to housed an NGO vehicle in need time of day (daylight hours) are leave their jobs or suffer the consequences. of repairs was stopped at 1740, irregular to these types of inci- The letters were allegedly signed by 3 AOG and commandeered by a group of dents. While AOG checkpoints leaders including the Deputy Shadow Gover- armed men. The AOG started to have been fairly common along nor. take the truck and driver into the THE ANSO REPORT Page 13

NGO Incidents SAMANGAN Year to Date 0 SAMANGAN 50 This Report Period 0 Samangan has been the quietest 40 Northern Province in 2011, and it ential cleric for suspected ties to 30 remained such this reporting pe- AOGs. If AOGs have moved 20 riod. However, 3 of the 4 security into this district, or existing 10 incidents that occurred this may AOGs are making their presence 0 end up significant to the security felt, it may be due to a number of paradigm for the province. issues; 1) the unhappiness of a SAMANGAN AOG SAMANGAN Crime local power broker who is looking A military operation took place in to use the security of Aybak as a Dara-i Suf Payin on Thursday, bargaining chip; 2) an influx of March 10th that included an air- AOGs from neighbouring Bagh- blockage in subsequent days until the maw- strike to Bayanan, Sorkha, and th lani Jadid in Baghlan Province lawi’s release. However, on the 14 they Dara Tang villages. This strike, (which took the brunt of Opera- elected to send a contingent to Kabul to argue aimed at the most insecure district tion Nowruz); or 3) the influence with the government rather than demonstrate. in the province, allegedly killed 6 of one of the AOGs who are op- The mawlawi is an extremely popular figure, AOG members, including a erating in the western district of and his arrest could drive the population to prominent commander. Later Dara-i Suf Payin (mentioned embrace the AOGs who regularly denounce that day, a large number of AT above). Whatever the reason, the the GOA and are seeking support in the area. and AP mines were seized from arrest of the said mawlawi created While it seems certain that some type of AOG the area. Dar-I Suf Payin has a a strong reaction in the commu- presence is growing in Aybak District, it re- known AOG presence with 2-4 nity, which claims that he had no mains unclear whether this AOG means to established groups operating regu- involvement with AOGs, and a gain community support so that they may use larly in and around the district. large demonstration against his the district as a safe haven when they are There have been reports that the arrest took place on the 13th. forced to relocate from Baghlan or Kunduz, or groups’ influence may be spread- whether they mean to increase kinetic opera- ing, and that they are partially re- The demonstration started in the tions in the district. Thus far, the reports of sponsible for a decrease in secu- City Center, but around noon the activity have not included any actual AOG rity to neighboring districts in demonstrators moved to block incidents or attacks (although there have been Balkh as well. the main Puli Khumri – Mazar-e Sharif road. They remained there more than twice the amount of security inci- In Aybak, reports about a growing well into the evening, leaving only dent so far in 2011 than there were in 2010), AOG presence in the district cul- after threatening to continue the but further assessment is required. minated in the arrest of an influ- THE ANSO REPORT Page 14

NGO Incidents BADAKHSHAN Year to Date 3 BADAKHSHAN 50 This Report Period 2 Badakshan saw 12 security inci- 40 dents this reporting period, with 2 each other. This was the first in- 30 IED attacks against NGOs, as cident to target an INGO in the 20 well as a third IED detonation in district since April 2008, when an 10 front of a GOA Office in Fayza- NGO convoy was robbed. 0 bad. On March 8th, the second direct The 2 IED detonations took place attack on an NGO occurred when BADAKHSHAN AOG BADAKHSHAN Crime in Fayzabad over a 24 hour pe- a small IED was thrown into an riod. These included an IED NGO complex in Shuhada Dis- district. detonation in the corner of a trict. This district has only suf- Elsewhere a skirmish occurred in Kuran Wa compound rented by an INGO fered 7 security incidents over 5 Munjan over the reinstatement of a District staff member on the 4th and an years, yet 3 of those 7 targeted Chief of Police (DCOP). The fighting took IED detonation in front of the NGOs. Although this attack was place in the District Area Center (DAC) on Women’s Affairs Office on March accompanied by “night letters” March 1st as previous tensions between a for- 5th. While it is unlikely that these warning female staff not to return mer Jihadi commander and the new DCOP two events were related (with the to work, strong anecdotal evi- escalated into violence. The DCOP had re- IED in the compound attributed dence suggests that this also was cently been reinstated from Kabul, with pro- to a personal dispute while the the result of a personal dispute. vincial authorities believing that he would be IED at the Women’s Center likely While the IED detonations seem able to help keep AOGs from infiltrating into the result of conservative groups to paint a picture of deteriorating the province. expressing their displeasure over security —especially considering 2 Lastly, Baharak continued to be a focal point women’s day celebrations), it re- of them took place in Fayzabad— for general insecurity in Badakhshan, account- mains somewhat remarkable that 2 of these incidents were likely ing for 3 of the 12 incidents this period, with 2 a district which had witnessed no personal vendettas and have little of them including RPG attacks on GOA struc- IED detonations since August effect on the overall security para- tures. In total this district has accounted for 2010, saw 2 within 24 hours of digm for NGOs operating in the 12 security incidents this year.

NGO Incidents SAR‐E PUL SAR- E PUL Year to Date 1 50 This Report Period 0 40 Sar-e Pul witnessed only 6 security 30 incidents this reporting period, appointed to a pro-government 20 with 4 taking place in Sayyad Dis- militia in Sayyad District, rejoined 10 trict, an AOG stronghold which an AOG. How the peace proc- 0 was the site of a recent IMF/ ess—specifically in the context of

ANSF operation. The only other arbakis—will shift security in the SAR‐E PUL AOG SAR‐E PUL Crime incidents took place in Sar-e Pul, region remains a bit of a question and included the discovery of 2 mark, and it is best looked at Also in Sayyad, from March 8th to 10th, Qafla- anti-personnel mines cached in province to province, district to toon Village was the site of a series of skir- the Imam Khord area, and the district, and area to area. With the mishes between AOGs, pro-government mili- surrender of 40 AOG members to winter fading, and the harvest and tia members, and the ANP. The first took th the GOA on the 11 . fighting season arriving, individu- place on the 8th, which led to an AOG attack In Sayyad, perhaps the primary als who may have joined the peace on Tapai Kamal checkpoint on the 9th. The stronghold of AOGs operating in process as a quick fix for the win- AOG gained control of this checkpoint, but the Northwest, 4 incidents took ter may start abandoning it in or- abandoned it after planting an IED which place. Of particular note, on der to return to fighting and farm- detonated against an ANP/pro-government March 8th, 7 AOG members who ing. This has the potential to cre- militia convoy that had been deployed to re- had joined the peace process last ate a dynamic shift in security capture the checkpoint on the 10th. January, and who had later been throughout the North. THE ANSO REPORT Page 15

W ESTERN REGION

NGO Incidents HERAT Year to Date 0 HERAT 80 This Report Period 0 70 In the past two weeks, Herat 60 Province recorded a decrease in did not result in casualties. How- 50 the number of security incidents 40 ever, during the second phase 30 as compared to the previous cycle. initiated on the 12th of March in 20 This period, AOG activities were Faranjan, Mara Abad, Robat Ad- 10 visible in Shindand, Pashtun Zar- ham and Fashkan areas of Pash- 0 ghun, Obe, Guzara and Chishti tun Zarghun, four AOG mem- Sharif districts. The main road to bers, one ANA soldier and one HERAT AOG HERAT Crime Obe, which witnessed an illegal ANP were killed and an additional been related to a personal dispute rather than check point during the last period, three AOG members and two being a genuine AOG attack. A series of un- experienced an AOG direct at- ANP were wounded. Security usual occurrences has been reported during the tack. On 4th of March in Robat forces also detained three AOG second half of this period. On 12 March in Akhund Area, AOG assaulted an members. The definitive impact Guzara, three rockets impacted in the Herat ANP check point with RPGs and of the operation in the district will Airport area, which marks the first IDF attack SAF. A prolonged fire fight en- depend largely on the hold phase against the Herat Airport since February 2010. sued, which caused the death of which is supposed to involve the A day before, on the 11th, a member of the one ANP and two AOG mem- establishment of ANP check Meshrano Jirga was abducted in Chishti Sharif, bers. The AOG eventually man- points in the area. aged to overrun the check post, Shirkhaj Area on the Herat–Chaghcharan IED related incidents dropped th and set it on fire prior to their Road. The victim was finally released on 14 this reporting period, with two of March through the negotiation of elders. withdrawal. Another direct attack reported cases including a detona- was reported in Pusht Koh Area Finally, in relatively stable Zinda Jan District, tion in Shindand which targeted four ANP were wounded in an RCIED strike of Pashtun Zarghun District on an ANP vehicle. 7th of March, when, during eve- that occurred during the evening hours on the th ning hours, AOG attacked an In Herat City, a female ANP re- 14 . Along with the onset of the spring but ANP convoy. This attack along cruitment officer was killed in also along with the announced transition of with several cases of intimidation District 7 by two unknown men responsibilities over the security to ANSF in of the local population by AOG on motorcycle. Although this style Herat, further increase in activities should not and their movements in the area of killing is frequently used against be ruled out, as different armed groups and urged ANSF to launch a clean up ANP officials across the country actors might try to assert their presence in the operation on the 9th. The first and despite the fact that AOGs area. phase focused on Taqcha, Pusht took the responsibility for the Koh and Bala Dasht villages, and attack, anecdotal reports indicate that the assassination may have THE ANSO REPORT Page 16

NGO Incidents FARAH FARAH Year to Date 1 50

This Report Period 1 40 The first NGO-direct incident ons and two suicide vests. 30 recorded this year was reported in 20 Farah City, Sangezor Area. On 1st This reporting period, AOG initi- 10 of March, NDS conducted an ated a various range of incidents operation and seized two AK 47 in Farah, largely focusing on 0 and five sets of ANP uniforms Pusht Rod District. IED deploy- from a private residence. Three ment remains prevalent across the FARAH AOG FARAH Crime persons were also arrested in rela- province with at least eight inci- tion to the seizure, including a dents recorded. Beside three cyclist drove into another roadside IED. It national staff member of a local RCIEDs which were emplaced on should be noted that in Pusht Rod, another NGO. Anecdotal reports suggest a secondary road leading to Farah target of choice remains the Afghan Local Po- the NGO staff member was visit- City and another device that deto- lice (ALP) members. This period in Kharaba ing the home of one of his rela- nated in Dilaram Area of Bakwa Village, AOG opened fire and injured an ALP tives when the NDS raided the District, wounding four PSC member. It is worth noting that local AOGs house. Two days later, on 3rd of guards, five IED incidents took have started to diversify their tactics, as dem- March, in relation to the first inci- place in Pusht Rod itself. As as- onstrated by the indirect attack that occurred dent, NDS arrested another rela- sessed in the previous report, on 11th of March. Three rockets were fired tive of the said staff who also AOGs continue to focus their towards the DAC which, according to ANSO worked for the same NGO. At efforts on disruption of vehicular data, marked the first IDF assault since Octo- the time of writing this report movement on the main road lead- ber 2010. Of note, Khaki Safed saw also AOG both individuals remain in custody ing from Pusht Rod to Farah City. activity with an IED that detonated inside a and the investigation is ongoing. In the past two weeks, three inci- school in Khost Villaga, partly damaging the In Farah City, also on 3rd of dents occurred along this road. Of building. Finally, Gulistan District, a well- March, security forces conducted note, Saj Village Area saw two known AOG area of operations, experienced a search operation in a private IED strikes involving casualties. an attack on an IMF base on the 8th. In con- residence in District 4, and ar- On 5th of March, an IED deto- junction, ANSF activities were rather limited rested five suspected AOG mem- nated against an IMF convoy and outside Farah Province and in the past two bers. In addition to the detention killed an IMF soldier. Another weeks were concentrated mainly on anti-drugs of mentioned suspect, it has been casualty was reported the follow- operations. reported that ANSF seized weap- ing day, as a local civilian motor- THE ANSO REPORT Page 17

NGO Incidents GHOR Year to Date 0 GHOR This Report Period 0 50 The winter lull in activities contin- 40 ues in Ghor Province with no leading to Kindiwal Village. In 30 NGO-direct incidents since Octo- line with the seasonal trends, IED 20 ber 2010. Nonetheless, in com- deployment during the winter pe- 10 parison to the last reporting pe- riod is a rare occurrence, however 0 riod, an increase in the number of Chaghcharan District saw three incidents has been reported over IED strikes along with eight re- the past two weeks, reflected in ported discoveries last year. GHOR AOG GHOR Crime four incidents. The most notable In Barakhana Area of Chaghcha- revolved around how many sheep have been one occurred on 5th of March on ran District, tensions persist be- stolen and therefore how many should be the Chaghcharan-Charsada Main tween the supporters of two local given back. Although no incident has so far Road in Gurgen Area, when an commanders over the theft of a been reported in relation to this issue, the AOG unit attacked the Charsada significant amount of sheep. Ac- situation remains unsolved and has a potential District Governor’s convoy with cording to reports, various at- to deteriorate. small arms fire. Security forces tempts of mediation have been The winter lull also seemingly came to an end escorting the convoy responded undertaken but have not settled in the south of the province. On 14th of and a brief fire fight ensued. The st down the divergence. On 1 of March, in Taywara District, an AOG estab- official escaped the attack un- March for instance, a delegation lished an illegal check point on the Taywara- harmed, while one AOG member led by the Provincial Council Pasaband Main Road, and searched the vehi- was killed. This attack triggered Chairman went to the area in or- cles for GoA employees. Although there is no the renewal of the long brewing der to ease the discussion but indication that the AOG members were look- conflict between two tribes in the failed to broker an agreement. It ing for NGO employees, as past practise indi- area which may influence the se- seems that the perpetrators had cates, there are pervasive risks in such circum- curity situation in the district. proposed to give back a portion stances of NGO staff singled out by AOG. Chaghcharan City experienced an of the loot but their proposition Therefore, continuation of low-profile move- incident of note in District 2, was refused by the rival camp as ment is recommended to NGOs travelling when ANP located an IED em- insufficient to conclude the mat- through the area. placed under a bridge on the road ter. Reportedly, the discussions

NGO Incidents BADGHIS Year to Date 0 BADGHIS This Report Period 0 70 Activities in Badghis Province 60 convoy, in Nowbor and Passaw 50 continued at high levels with 40 AOG initiated incidents account- Area. No casualties resulted from 30 the attack. It should be underlined 20 ing for almost 50% of all reported 10 incidents. Murghab District re- that the majority of IED incidents 0 mains the focus of AOGs operat- took place in Nowbor (3), Passaw ing in the province, although in- (3) and Tangi Buzbay (2) areas BADGHIS AOG BADGHIS Crime creased incident volumes have this period. The district saw also four direct attacks against the also been observed in Ghormach. rocket fired towards the DAC on the 14th. It is worth noting that during the popular AOG targets, that is present cycle, IED deployment ANSF/IMF convoys and facili- Beside AOG activity, several incidents were was exclusively concentrated in ties. During the first half of this reported in relation to tribal tensions across Murghab District with nine re- cycle, AOG activity resumed in the province. Pista Liq Area of Ab Kamari ported incidents of which two Ghormach District with direct District saw two armed clashes related to land devices resulted in detonation. In attacks as the AOG tactic of disputes, which resulted in a total of 12 per- Tangi Buzbay Area, an IED deto- choice. These were concentrated sons wounded. As the issue has not been set- nated against an ANSF/IMF joint in Du Abi Area as well as in the tled down, further tensions can be expected in patrol, causing no casualties. On proximity of ANP check points the area. In addition, a deadly tribal dispute 12 of March, two IEDs detonated located around the District Cen- took place in Muqur, Bahaieha Village, with simultaneously targeting an IMF tre. One occurrence of indirect four locals killed and two wounded. fire was also reported with a single THE ANSO REPORT Page 18

E ASTERN REGION

NGO Incidents KHOST Year to Date 0 KHOST This Report Period 0 150 With a significant increase in the 100 total number of incidents, Khost or its environs, one of which ap-

continued to be the focus of mili- pears to have been an anomaly: a 50 tary conflict in the southeast and March 12th night-time search of the wider border region – with the home of the captain of the 0 almost twice the number of inci- Afghan national cricket team. The dents as its nearest rival, Kunar. sportsman was not arrested. An- Indeed, this period saw a more other of these operations detained KHOST AOG KHOST Crime than doubling of the number of a HQN commander who was significant IMF operations, from based out of a madrassa. the period were (self-)inflicted when two PSC last period’s 16 to this one’s 31. A AOG themselves also demon- guards in Sabari DAC attempted to detonate predictable correlate of this fur- strated a partial upping in the fre- an IED by shooting at it, which resulted in its ther upping of operational fre- quency of their own operations, detonation as planned, but which injured both quency was that the number of focused on IEDs, the combined of them. AOG fighters detained and killed number of detonations/ In terms of the geographical distribution of has also nearly doubled – with 85 discoveries jumping from 20 AOG-initiated incidents, 15 occurred in Khost detained in this period as opposed (10/10) last period to 37 (14/23) to 47 last period, and 7 killed as in this one. However, there was a City, of all types, while 14 of the 16 that oc- compared to 4. These operations halving of the number of IDF curred in Sabari did so in the DAC area, evinc- were overwhelmingly focused on attacks, from 24 to 12, all but one ing a concentrated focus on preventing the the rural villages of Sabari district missing their target, and direct highly weak GOA and ANSF presence there (15 of the 31), but more generally attacks were almost identical – in from having any room to augment its position. were almost entirely contained the high teens – when accounting In Tere Zayi, much of the focus was also on within the trio of highly volatile for the slightly lower number of the DAC area, particularly around the IMF and districts of Sabari, Bak and Tere days in last period. Moreover, no Zayi. A handful of those arrested large-scale VBIEDs were wit- ANSF installations in the Chargotay area. were HQN and HIG command- nessed during the period, while in While Bak was a focus for IMF, there was not ers/facilitators, although the pro- terms of actual infliction of casu- a comparable number of AOG attacks in the portion of such higher-value tar- alties on the IMF and ANSF side, district during this period; just two IEDs and gets in the overall numbers is this period saw just 1 ANBP po- two IDF attacks in the DAC area, the latter liceman killed. There were also 1 lower than in previous periods, directed at the IMF/ANA base there. In Gur- partly a function of the short term IMF, 6 ANP, 1 ANA and 1 success of the IMF operations in ANBP servicemen injured across buz, all the incidents were clustered along the specifically targeting these figures five separate incidents – indicating main road that runs from the DAC across the over the past 4-5 months. Only the low proportion of AOG at- border to Miranshah, but mostly took the form three IMF operations occurred tacks that had direct tactical im- of IED discoveries by proactive IMF and outside this belt, all in Khost City pacts. The only other casualties of ANSF. THE ANSO REPORT Page 19

NGO Incidents KUNAR Year to Date 3 KUNAR This Report Period 0 200 Kunar continued to be character- 150

ised by high levels of armed con- district of foreign AOGs under 100 frontations between AOG and the command of a Nuristani com- national and international military mander were recorded halfway 50 forces, with the current pattern of through the period, with apparent 0 such attacks being shaped to a intent to attack the small ANP significant degree by the ongoing presence in the DAC; the actual th relocation of IMF that began to attack came on the 13 , destroy- KUNAR AOG KUNAR Crime be undertaken during this report- ing one ANP vehicle. ing period. The focal point for However, IMF have demon- in practice inaccurate. this relocation is the Pech valley strated that while they will no Elsewhere, direct attacks again dominated, area of Manogai district, for years longer be permanently located in with 4 in each of Marawara and Sirkanay, as the scene of some of the most the area, for now they remain ob- cross-border infiltration continued to be the intense conflict across the coun- servant of events there and willing primary security dynamic in these districts. In try; IMF forces have begun their to conduct tactical operations Wata Pur, 5 such direct attacks on IMF patrols withdrawal, with at least one base th against AOGs; on the 14 , with and ANP CPs occurred, while Bar Kunar was being completely handed over to many of their forces having left noticeable for its jump in such attacks; from ANA, and there has been an im- the area, IMF engaged a number zero during last period, it witnessed 4 in the mediate reaction by AOGs oper- of AOG fighters moving through first two weeks of March, targeting IMF con- ating in the area and in nearby the area and transporting heavy voys and one ANP patrol. IMF and ANSF districts to step up their attacks on weapons, which resulted in an as fought back to a certain extent, but the num- the exiting forces, likely in order yet unconfirmed number of AOG ber of security force operations was down on to secure as favourable a position deaths. This Pech relocation has recent levels, and there were no significant solo as possible before the replacement also meant that up the valley, ANSF operations seen during the period. ANA contingents have completed across the border in Nuristan’s In Khas Kunar, site of the oldest ALP initia- their move into the area. Waygal district, the AOG pres- tive in the eastern region, a pattern of AOG In Manogai itself, there were a ence there has moving into active attacks on ALP members and their IMF SOF number of IDF attacks on IMF planning to take that district, re- supervisors became evident, with two attempts bases, particularly in the Wardesh portedly because they now no to kill ALP in their homes – one successful – Tangay area, a continuation of last longer fear repercussions from the and multiple IDF attacks on the district SOF period’s pattern of this form of IMF – now that they are no base. This pattern of targeting of ALP is likely attack in this location, as well as longer nearby (see Nuristan). to be repeated across the region’s ALP initia- one direct attack on an IMF con- Outside of the security dynamic tives, and it remains to be seen if the IMF su- voy. However, most significantly, of the northwest of the province, pervisors can adequately support their ALP there were multiple abductions in Asadabad City saw its first signifi- allies. the area, of both ANSF and for- cant incidents after a pause over For the Jalalabad-Asadabad Road, Chawkay mer employees of the IMF bases recent months. First, there were there – evincing the enhanced two kinetic engagements between continued to be the point of greatest vulner- ability of AOG members to oper- AOG and IMF/ANSF in the en- ability, with the only IED detonation of the ate in the open. As such, the ANA virons of the city on the 10th, and period being recorded there, in the Spin Jumat are likely to face a tough immedi- then on the 12th, the morning that area against an IMF vehicle, causing no re- ate future as they take over there, President Karzai came to the city ported damage. AOG fighters also attacked an similar perhaps to the situation in as a result of the 9 students killed IMF convoy on the Road in Nurgal’s Panjshir neighbouring Chapa Dara. In that in Pech by IMF air assets on Naw area. district during the latter part of March 1st, two mortar rounds the period, movements into the were fired at the provincial ANP HQ, likely a symbolic gesture but THE ANSO REPORT Page 20

NGO Incidents NANGARHAR Year to Date 4 NANGARHAR This Report Period 0 100 In Nangarhar, a heightened sense 80 the provincial governor. Less than of threat continued to be felt 60 within Jalalabad City towards the 50m from the gathering of senior 40 beginning of the period, with an opposition figures and allied jihadi ongoing credible threat of a fol- commanders inside the grounds 20 low up complex/suicide attack in of the mosque and attached park, 0 the mould of the Kabul Bank at- the two IEDs detonated at the tack in February. Reports were intersection that marks the begin- NANGARHAR AOG NANGARHAR Crime received of meetings involving the ning of the Jalalabad-Torkham Road. In spite of the considerable same networks of local and Wa- failed one in which the IED did not attach to force of each blast – the second ziristani AOGs involved in the the target vehicle and instead detonated on the one especially so – and the fact February attack, and specific tar- roadside. In all, there was a near identical vol- that a number of senior ANP offi- gets for potential attacks were ume of IEDs as compared with the previous cers and civilians were killed or explicitly mentioned, including the period, and a similar balance between detona- injured in the attacks, the gather- Jalalabad Prison and the Spin tions and discoveries. ing was not abandoned. The pat- Ghar Hotel. As a result of these Furthermore, two other suicide-based attacks tern of these strikes, coming at the reports, IMF engaged in pre- were also recorded in the province, one an time they did, suggest that a party emptive search operations on the SVBIED on an IMF convoy in Bati Kot, evi- th unrelated to the politic conflict evening of the 5 , targeting local dence of the growing AOG focus on security was responsible, out of a desire to hotels and guesthouses in the city, forces in that district. The other was a prema- benefit from the general disorder arresting a number of individuals ture BBIED detonation just outside the Sher- caused by the compounding of thought to have been connected zad DAC, the result of a faulty vest. When the political and security tensions. to the planning operation. Fur- Kabul Bank attack is taken into account, this Finally, it is worth noting that two thermore, ANSF were standing at totals a higher and more sustained number of PSC vehicles were also struck col- heightened alert of the threat of suicide attacks in recent periods, and, when laterally in the second blast. Politi- such an operation, with additional taken together with regional trends, indicates a cal tensions seemed to quieten forces deployed to key facilities likelihood that this means of AOG attack will down towards the end of the pe- and potential targets. IMF raids persist through the year. Also in Sherzad, four riod, but remain a standing con- continued during the end of the mortars were fired at the DAC, the only inci- cern. Meanwhile, a further IED period too, with a commander dent in a period of relative calm in this district. was discovered in the Eidgah area from the local AOG thought to In IMF operations, the focus was on on March 13th, and as such, with be intimately involved in planning Chaparhar, where 4 relatively minor search op- targeted in a night raid on a house both its proximity to the prison in the Muqam Khan area of and these recent incidents, this erations were conducted, recovering a small Bihsud on the 12th, which also led area remains a particular concern number of weapons and ammunition, and to the killing of two of his fight- for safety within the city limits. eradicating some poppy. They also arrested 4 ers. The immediate threat of such There were 5 further IEDs dis- suspected AOG members in Rodat’s Kabul covered and defused in the city an attack appears to have conse- Camp area, non-locals who were likely using the too, and two further detonations, quently receded, yet the intent increasingly emphasised AOG transit route clearly remains on behalf of parts both in music shops – part of a from Achin into Rodat and Bati Kot. Finally, of the AOG landscape in the bor- well-registered pattern. Outside der region. the city, IEDs struck an IMF ve- there have been intermittent rocket attacks The stand-out security incident in hicle on the main Sorkh Rod road from across the border in Goshta district dur- the city and province was there- to Khogyani, causing no casual- ing the period, which were also seen during fore the twin IED strike in Zone ties, while an RCIED struck an February, striking the border town of Anar ANBP vehicle in Chaparhar. The 4’s Eidgah Mosque area, which Kalay repeatedly. It emerged that these rockets head of the Hesarak ANP CID occurred concurrently with a po- were in fact being fired by the PakMil, and the litical gathering in the mosque was killed and two other ANP Government of Pakistan subsequently apolo- organised by the main opposition injured when their vehicle struck politicians in the province – a part an IED in that district, while the gised, although the shelling was continuing as of the ongoing efforts to unseat Ring Road saw another IED at- of March 14th. tack on a fuel tanker, this time a THE ANSO REPORT Page 21

NGO Incidents NURISTAN Year to Date 0 NURISTAN 50 This Report Period 0 Each of the incidents that oc- 40 curred during this period repre- there in the near future; local civil- 30 sents an insightful window into ians were warned to vacate the 20 the significant changes that con- area late in the reporting period, 10 tinue to take place in a Nuristan to avoid collateral involvement in 0 now without a physical IMF pres- any fighting. Over the past ence – the PRT at Kala Gosh be- months, AOG presence in Waygal ing recently vacated and currently district has quickly grown NURISTAN AOG NURISTAN Crime occupied by just a small ANA stronger, but anecdotal evidence contingent. Towards the end of suggests that they did not attempt trict in the past year. Moreover, on the 14th last period and the beginning of to take the DAC out of concern AOG fighters shot and killed a targeted ANP this period, reports were received of the response of IMF in nearby policeman in the district, amounting to an of large numbers of local and for- Pech Valley. However, with the above-average number of AOG incidents in eign AOGs moving into Bargi withdrawal of these forces (see the district during the period. As the weather Matal district and staging them- Kunar), this is now much less im- improves in the district’s eastern border moun- selves in the hills around the portant a consideration. Yet other tains, and AOG continue to consolidate their DAC, as well as further down the reporting suggests that all AOGs authority in the eastern and central districts, we valley. This led to an IDF attack in Waygal are not united on the are likely to see further such attacks in Kam- on the ANP facility in the DAC plan, indicating that the intra- desh, perhaps pushing into the district’s central th on February 28 , killing one of AOG fighting that has recently valleys. the ANP officials effectively been recorded in the district may However, it is not yet clear whether what may stranded up there for the winter, continue. become a ‘political transition’ to AOG author- as well as a direct attack on an Furthermore, in Wama reports ANBP CP near to the town, again were received that AOGs are ity will have any negative impact on NGO ac- leading to the death of a police- planning to establish semi- cess. While it is often true that foreign AOGs man. The number and composi- permanent illegal CPs on the main are much less sympathetic to local populations, tion of the AOG fighters present, district road in Wama, thereby and thus to the presence of humanitarian or- as well as these two attacks and cutting off the district – and by ganisations, there has been a significant foreign other anecdotal evidence – such extension, also the provincial capi- AOG presence in Nuristan for some time as more permanent and overt tal Parun – from access by road now, without any denial of NGO access stem- AOG infrastructure – suggest that via Kunar. This is consistent with further such attacks are likely in the increasingly evident longer ming from this up to now. Moreover, it is the near future, with a potential term AOG priorities in Nuristan thought that the current AOG provincial lead- plan to fully overrun the DAC this year, and does not bode well ership is primarily Nuristani in ethnic composi- again mentioned, as occurred for the authority of the GOA or tion, with foreign AOGs adding fighting twice in 2010. ANSF. Finally, in Kamdesh the weight and logistical support rather than vying ANBP CP in the Gawardesh bor- Similarly, in nearby Waygal, re- for authority; as such, this makes it more likely ports have been received of large der area was attacked twice during numbers of local and foreign the period, summing to three such that the AOG disposition in Nuristan will con- AOGs moving into the district attacks in 2011; this particular area tinue to be broadly well-disposed to NGO and surrounding the DAC area, is a key AOG transit route from operations in the remote province. potentially also in preparation for Pakistan, and as such has been the overrunning the ANSF presence focal point for attacks in the dis- THE ANSO REPORT Page 22

NGO Incidents LAGHMAN Year to Date 1 LAGHMAN 50 This Report Period 0 Laghman has continued its period 40 of relative calm, with no signifi- one detonation took place, dam- 30 aging an IMF vehicle; the IED cant security incidents on the Ka- 20 bul-Jalalabad Highway, nor NGO discovery happened in Wati Ja- incidents, and as such continues barkhel. The final IED blast oc- 10 to represent a relatively permissive curred just inside Mehtarlam dis- 0 environment. However, on March trict on the Mehtarlam-Alingar 15th an IED struck and killed a Road, striking an ANA vehicle Provincial Council member as he but causing no significant damage. LAGHMAN AOG LAGHMAN Crime was driving with his son on the The remaining kinetic incident received of both Afghan and Pakistani AOG outskirts of the provincial capital, took the form of an IDF attack members moving into the area – perhaps part in what appears to have been the against an unknown target in the of the reason why Alishing has been relatively most serious assassination of a Do Shah Khal area of Mehtarlam, quiet. As such, we can expect some conflict GOA official since the BBIED again causing no damage or casu- there once ANSF move into the area, although attack of September 2009 that alties. the time of the move remains unknown at the killed the Deputy Director of the Alishing was quiet during the first present. NDS and the Chairman of the two weeks of the month, with just With regard to the Highway, towards the end Laghman Provincial Council, as one IED discovery recorded. In well as 22 others. Moreover, there Mehtarlam district, the Bad Pakh/ of the period reports were received of AOG was a slight increase in incident Garuch valley areas continue to be members preparing to conduct attacks on numbers during the period – al- home to a significant AOG pres- ANSF and fuel tankers in the Tangi Abrisham though still below the average ence, and it is with this fact in area of the Highway – the traditional focal mind that the GOA has decided over the winter – with three fur- point for such attacks – and as such the threat to turn Bad Pakh into a new dis- ther IED detonations recorded, of proximity to such actors remains in place. and two other IEDs discovered trict – in order to increase the Yet nothing suggests the pattern of attack will and defused. Two detonations GOA’s political and economic and one discovery occurred in presence there, and bring in change, and as such ANSO’s recommendation Alingar, the traditional provincial greater numbers of ANSF. How- to only use the Highway between 0900-1500 focus of IED emplacement, par- ever, it appears that AOGs will also remains in place. ticularly the Sangrak valley, where also attempt to defend their stronghold, with reports being THE ANSO REPORT Page 23

NGO Incidents PAKTYA Year to Date 0 PAKTYA 100 This Report Period 0 Paktya’s cold and quiet winter 80 continued, with a small, varied prior to the detonation, on March 60 number of incidents, 19 in all and 5th, ANSF had searched a number 40 only 9 of which were attributable of shops in the city, thought to be 20 to AOG activity. Of all the inci- connected to this threat. What 0 dents, the most serious was the was perhaps surprising was the killing of a sleeping ANBP official underwhelming nature of the inci- in the ANBP in Jaji by a colleague, dent, but the threat of larger such PAKTYA AOG PAKTYA Crime who was later detained. It is not complex/suicide attacks remains clear if this was an act of armed in the city. Another AOG incident opposition, similar to other recent also took place in Gardez late in weapons, explosives and ammunition was incidents, for example in Nan- the period, in the form of a short seized in the district – demonstrating the on- garhar, where AOGs have infil- direct attack on an IMF convoy in going insecurity in that particular part of the trated arms of the ANSF, or if the Banozi area. province. this was in fact a consequence of Beyond this direct attack two fur- Back in the provincial capital, three other inci- some personal enmity. The only ther such attacks occurred, each dents occurred which are worthy of note. First, other fatal incident recorded in targeting ANP CPs with SAF and a family member of a senior GOA official in the province was a land dispute in RPGs, one in Jani Khel and one the city was abducted by unknown men, and at Dand wa Patan, which sparked an in Zurmat, leading to no reported the time of writing remains unaccounted for by exchange of fire between the casualties. In Jaji, two IEDs were the authorities. Abductions were much more families involved in the DAC area, discovered, one in the district cen- leading to the death of one per- tre that was defused by IMF, and common in Paktya in 2007 and 2008, with the son. one in the Rukyan area which was number of such incidents dropping considera- Perhaps the most significant defused by ANP. Also in Jaji, bly in 2009 and 2010 – the last such incident AOG incident that occurred did AOG members distributed night being the kidnapping of four Turkish engineers so in Gardez City’s vegetable mar- letters warning locals not to join in Dand wa Patan on December 26th 2010. ket area, injuring two civilians. ANSF, at the risk of being be- However, the traditional targets of such abduc- ANSF had been on alert of a po- headed; this may be more directly tions, including in Gardez City, have been tential complex or SVBIED attack related to the ALP initiatives start- on a GOA, ANSF or IMF facility ing in the area. In Zurmat a sus- ANSF and GOA employees, so this latest inci- in the provincial capital from early pected HQN facilitator and asso- dent is consistent with the long term pattern of in the month, and so such an IED ciates was arrested on the 14th, a these incidents, which may also be as much was not unexpected; three days day after a significant cache of related to criminality as to opposition activity. THE ANSO REPORT Page 24

S OUTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents KANDAHAR Year to Date 0 KANDAHAR 200 This Report Period 0 Kandahar Province continues to 150 most notable incident occurred in be very insecure particularly in 100 Kandahar City, Panjwayi and Shorabak District, where four Zhari districts, the areas that ex- civilians were killed while their 50 perienced the vast majority of vehicle hit an IED. 0 incidents reported this period. Another feature of this reporting Although the province did not see period pertained to the numerous spectacular attacks, the levels of cases of targeted killing. In the KANDAHAR AOG KANDAHAR Crime IED emplacement and AOG initi- past two weeks, three ANP offi- ated direct attacks remain ex- cials were killed (including an DAC. He was subsequently shot and wounded tremely high. Kandahar City sees ANP servicewomen murdered in by ANP. In addition, ANSF/IMF have con- the majority of IED employment, District 9) along with one PSC ducted a huge number of operations through- this reporting period accounted commander and one civilian. out the province, seizing a significant quantity for almost 45% of all IED related Noteworthy, one of the rare failed of weapons and explosive materials. Along incidents (detonations and discov- attempts occurred in District 4, with numerous search operations, the eradica- eries altogether). In regards to the when two AOG members riding tion campaign led by the Afghan Eradication incident distribution, the data on a motorbike opened fire Forces (AFE) was focused on Zhari and Pan- shows that in the past two weeks against an off-duty ANP but jwayi districts. In Kandahar Province, a par- District 7 saw eight incidents missed their target. The ANP offi- ticular incident attracted media attention. In (including seven IED strikes), cial responded and killed both Karz Area of Dand, on 9th of March, IMF District 8 experienced four and attackers. A drastic incident was raided a local residence arresting five persons District 3, three incidents. Of reported in Zhari District, where and killing one civilian, who happened to be a note, a rather spectacular concen- an AOG abducted eight civilians relative of the President Karzai. Although the tration of IED related incidents working in a reconstruction pro- exact circumstances of the incident are not was reported in Mirwais Mina ject in the area. During the captiv- known, the incident highlights the large frus- Area of District 7, which wit- ity, four of them were assaulted tration of the population with night raids and nessed four IED strikes itself. and mutilated over the accusation civilian casualties that result from the military There was also a high number of of cooperating with the GOA. operations across the country. In line with this casualties associated with IED Then, all of them were released. development, the same day in Kandahar, a deployment in Kandahar City. As mentioned previously, the group of civilians protested against an opera- According to reports, at least two province did not experience any tion that killed three locals believed to have civilians and one IMF soldier were spectacular attacks, however on been AOGs and resulted in detention of three killed, whereas three civilians, four 11th of March, a BBIED attacker more. ANP and one IMF soldier were was identified while he attempted wounded. Outside of the city, the to gain an entry to the Maydan THE ANSO REPORT Page 25

NGO Incidents PAKTIKA Year to Date 0 PAKTIKA 150 This Report Period 0 Paktika again saw a relatively low 100 number of incidents during this along with two firearms. As such, the lull in IED incidents recorded period, as the weather continued 50 to be wintry. However in one es- over the winter has continued, pecially high-impact incident an with numbers indeed falling even 0 IED struck a van full of civilians, on last period’s meagre volume of killing 12 and wounding another 3. 5, as it was being driven through There were just five direct attacks PAKTIKA AOG PAKTIKA Crime the Yousaf Narai area of Waza from AOGs, four of which oc- Khwa. This is the second particu- curred in Gayan. One targeted the Also in Gayan, a firefight between IMF and larly bad civilian casualty incident Tillman IMF base, and another AOG took place during an IMF search opera- in Paktika in recent months, after two targeted IMF patrols in the tion in the DAC area, injuring one AOG. Else- the January 18th roadside IED environs of the base, one of these where, joint IMF/ANSF operations in the Ur- incident that killed 13 civilians in a incidents leading to the only IMF gun DAC and in Yahya Khel’s Mata Khel vil- Zarang rickshaw in Khushamand. fatality witnessed in the province lage led to the arrest of a combined total of 8 In another civilian casualty inci- during the period. In two further AOG fighters. There were also operations in dent, AOG fighters shot dead a incidents AOG fighters fired mor- Barmal, Sarobi , Yosuf Khel and Omna, result- civilian that they accused of tars at the same base, the projec- ing in the combined detention of 3 AOG ‘spying’ for the GOA, while an- tiles landing outside the perimeter. fighters, the seizure of a small amount of other targeted killing, this time of The final direct attack in Gayan weapons, and the destruction of some AOG an ANBP policeman while he targeted an ANA patrol in the communications equipment. walked home, took place in Wor Bader area; in this last incident, Taking the historical trends of the conflict in two AOG fighters were killed in Mamay DAC. The IED in Waza Paktika, we can expect that this relatively low the exchange of fire, and one Khwa was one of only two IED volume of security incidents will continue for incidents during the period; the ANA soldier wounded. The final the rest of the month, before picking up sig- other IED incident completes the direct attack took place in the trio incidents involving civilian Shkin area of Barmal, with no nificantly in April and May as AOG members fatalities, in which two civilians on casualties reported from the fire- flow back in after the snows have melted, with a motorcycle were killed in the fight between AOG fighters and a particular focus on contesting IMF and area of the Jani Khel DAC. There an ANA patrol. In the same area ANSF in the eastern districts of Barmal, were no discoveries of planted on the same day, a mortar was fired at the local IMF/ANA base, Gayan, Urgun and Sar Hawza, where IMF are IEDs, although an IED was re- preparing to attempt to prevent cross-border covered in the Sarobi DAC by but as with most IDF attacks, was IMF during a search operation, inaccurate and of no consequent infiltration. harm. THE ANSO REPORT Page 26

NGO Incidents HELMAND Year to Date 0 HELMAND This Report Period 0 250 ANSF/IMF operational tempo on 200 tacks. AOG initiated direct attacks one hand, and AOG efforts to 150 assert their presence and capacity contributed as well to this ex- 100 on the other hand, contributed tremely high level of recorded once again to an extremely high incidents, with at least 77 such 50 level of incidents in Helmand over occurrences recorded during this 0 the past two weeks. The vast ma- reporting period. AOG direct at- jority of these incidents affected tacks took place primarily against HELMAND AOG HELMAND Crime Nad Ali, Nahri Sarraj and Sangin IMF patrols. However, an IMF districts. A glimpse into recorded logistical convoy came under an ating in the area. Such campaigns in the past data shows the prevalence of IED AOG attack in Nad Ali, resulting were often confronted with the strong opposi- emplacement which represents in three PSC guards wounded. tion from the local civilians as well as armed the major concern in the area. The eradication campaign which elements. It was also a case during this report- There were at least 45 IED strikes started in the province in late Feb- ing period. On 5th of March in Nahri Sarraj, reported across the province this ruary has continued throughout the AEF repelled an AOG attack, killing one reporting period along with 51 this period. The Afghan Eradica- AOG member and arresting another three. In discoveries. ANSF/IMF mobile tion Forces (AEF) conducted sev- addition to the eradication campaign, ANSF/ patrols were frequently the target eral operations in Marja, Nawa-e- IMF conducted numerous operations in and besides several vehicles being Barak Zayi and Nahri Sarraj de- Sangin, Musa Qala and Lashkar Gah districts. damaged, one IMF soldier was stroying a large area of poppy In total, these operations resulted in the re- killed and another two were fields, in the hope to cut funding ported deaths of 34 AOG members and the wounded as a result of these at- for numerous armed groups oper- detentions of another 17.

NGO Incidents URUZGAN Year to Date 0 URUZGAN

This Report Period 0 100 Whereas the incident volumes remained quite similar to the pre- ANP check post. The most nota- 80 vious period, the number of AOG ble incident occurred on 13th of 60 initiated incidents has continued March in Nai Chin Area of Tirin 40 to increase in Uruzgan. During Kot, with an IED strike targeting 20 an ANP vehicle and killing two this reporting period AOG activi- 0 ties affected at the first place Tirin ANP, and wounding another two. Beside a PSC guard who was Kot, then Dihrawud and Khas URUZGAN AOG URUZGAN Crime Uruzgan districts. The main con- wounded in an IED strike in cern for NGOs operations re- Khanqa Area, this reporting pe- mains IED emplacement in the riod saw also one civilian casualty. province. In the past two weeks, This incident occurred on the 2nd there were at least 31 IED related in Surkh Murghab Area and re- NDS officials wounded. Along with IED em- incidents, of which 10 devices sulted in one local reported to placement, AOG initiated nine direct attacks resulted in detonation. Of note, have been wounded. A rather rare during the present cycle. These were focused almost 70% of all reported IED diversification in IED deployment on Tirin Kot, with seven such events, in addi- related incidents took place in was demonstrated with another tion to two reported in Dihrawud. The major- Tirin Kot District (21 out of 31 incident that took place in ity of these attacks were not associated with incidents). These devices were Khurma Area of Tirin Kot, where casualties. deployed against various targets: a donkey-borne RCIED exploded ANP/IMF vehicles but also in the vicinity of an ANP post. In against a PSC convoy and an addition, an RCIED strike in Khas Uruzgan resulted in two THE ANSO REPORT Page 27

NGO Incidents ZABUL Year to Date 0 ZABUL This Report Period 0 100 During this reporting period, the 80 IED deployment this period was level of security incidents re- 60 corded across the province re- geographically diversified. 40 mained in line with the previous Whereas the first half of the pre- cycle. The hotspots of AOG ac- sent cycle saw IED discoveries in 20 tivities in the past two weeks were Mizan, Shahjoy, Qalat, in the sec- 0 Shinkay, Tarnak Wa Jaldak and ond half IED incidents were con- Daychopan districts. Also the low centrated in Tarnak Wa Jaldak and ZABUL AOG ZABUL Crime level of AOG direct attacks con- Daychopan, with 3 incidents that tinued during the present period, resulted in detonations. There dents that sparked public protests. In Qalat with just three such occurrences were two IED strikes against IMF District, an incident of ‘escalation of force’ was reported, i.e. one in Tarnak Wa patrols, but the most notable inci- reported on 7th of March, wounding one civil- Jaldak, and two in Shinkay. An dent occurred on 12 of March in ian. In Shahjoy, two civilians riding on a mo- armed clash was also reported in Daychopan District, when one torbike failed to heed IMF warnings to stop. Shamuzayi District, where during civilian was killed and another Subsequently, the IMF opened fire, killing one an operation, IMF engaged an four were wounded, while their of them and wounding another. In addition, a AOG, killing two militants. IED vehicle struck a roadside IED in road incident involving PSC guards degener- emplacement represented the Chalar Area. The pattern of tar- ated into violence and reportedly caused the AOG favourite tactics throughout geted killing continued as well this death of one civilian in Sori District. The locals the province with six reported period. On 13 of March, AOG staged a demonstration but ANSF deployment incidents during this reporting shot and killed an ANP officer in avoided further confrontation. On a different period. With the improvement in the DAC area of Shahjoy District. note, a demonstration erupted over alleged weather conditions and conse- This period, ANSF/IMF opera- desecration of the Holy Quran in Qalat City quent improvements of road ac- tions focused on Qalat, Mizan and on 3rd of March but ended with no reports of cessibility, the AOGs’ efforts to Shamulzayi districts. Noteworthy, violence. disturb vehicular movement in the the activities of the security forces province will certainly increase. in Zabul resulted in several inci- THE ANSO REPORT Page 28

NGO Incidents GHAZNI Year to Date 0 GHAZNI This Report Period 0 250 The seasonal downturn in activity 200 was reflected in 31 incidents re- ciated with this attack. It is worth ported during this reporting pe- noting that IDF attacks have 150 riod. The most active districts played a minor role in Ghazni 100 were Andar, Qarabagh and Province since the beginning of 50

Ghazni. IED deployment re- 2011, with the bulk of AOG ac- 0 mained limited with two IEDs tivity consisting of direct attacks. According to ANSO data, there discovered in Andar and Qara- GHAZNI AOG GHAZNI Crime bagh distircts. Unlike the PRP, have been five reported incidents which did not experience any indi- related to the IDF throughout the Khwaja Umari, Andar and Qarabagh. In addi- rect fire attack (IDF), two such province so far this year, with two tion, the last two districts witnessed attacks on events were reported during the attacks in Ghazni, two in Muqur IMF and PSC vehicles. Finally, the Ajristan present cycle. A rocket detonated and one in Giro District. The and Zana Kah DACs came under AOG attack in the vicinity of an IMF base in most recent incident was reported respectively on 9th and 14th of March, which th Gelan District Centre. Another on 5 of February 2011 in the serve as reminder that before the winter lull th IDF incident occurred on 14 of latter district, when AOG fired DACs in Ghazni were one of the AOG fa- March in Ghazni City, Plan-e-Say two mortar rounds towards an vourite targets. Another issue that should be Area. Early in the morning, three IMF convoy. closely monitored by NGOs operating in the rockets were fired from Khashak This reporting period also experi- province will be the impact of the transition of Area (the western part of the city). enced nine AOG direct attacks; security to ANSF in Lashkar Gah City on the One rocket impacted in the vicin- the figure represents an increase security environment in the area. Rather sur- ity of the IEC compound, another as compared to the previous re- prisingly Lashkar Gah has been announced detonated close to the ANP HQ port. Also this cycle, the targeting along with Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif as the in a local shop, and the third one patterns of these attacks were first areas to experience the transfer of security landed in an open area. There more varied. Four of them tar- responsibilities to ANSF. were no reports of casualties asso- geted ANP check posts located in

NGO Incidents NIMROZ Year to Date 0 NIMROZ This Report Period 0 100 Similar to the trend that had been 80 observed during the same period in Haji Habib Village of Kand 60 last year, the overall incident levels District), this rate has dropped remained low in Nimruz, with six sharply with only one IED related 40 cases reported during this cycle. incident reported in the Khash 20 Khash Rod District remained the District during the present period. 0 main area of concern, experienc- A worrying development was re- ing 80% of all reported incidents. ported on 11th of March in Razea NIMROZ AOG NIMROZ Crime Whereas late February saw five Afghani Village, where AOG be- IED related incidents (four dis- headed two civilians for motives mately, ANBP reported the arrest of three coveries that occurred in Khash which have not been revealed. ANP officials who were carrying 50 kg of Rod and one device that resulted The victims worked in a bakery in opium in an ANP vehicle. in detonation, killing one civilian the Khash Rod Bazaar. Ulti- THE AFGHANISTAN NGO SAFETY OFFICE - CONTACTS AND INFORMATION

CONTACT ANSO MISSING This report ANSO could not provide analysis for the prov- CENTRAL REGION OFFICE (KABUL) inces of: ANSO is hosted by Tomas Muzik - [email protected] - 0799 323 792 Deutsche Welthungerhilfe Mukhtar - [email protected] - 0799 322 116  BAMIYAN NORTH REGION OFFICE (MAZAR) Brian Laguardia - [email protected] - 0799 404 617 This is because we To Register with ANSO Firoz - [email protected] - 0799 408 252 do not know enough contact: about current activity [email protected] in the area to com- EAST REGION OFFICE (JALALABAD) ment. Rory Brown - [email protected] - 0799 248 362

Shohar - [email protected] - 0798 778 014 ANSO is managed by an NGO If you can help us Board. If you have any SOUTH REGION OFFICE (KANDAHAR) understand the prov- feedback, good or bad, let ince better, please Vacant - [email protected] 0796 688 416 them know on: contact us. Noori - [email protected] - 0700 492 550 [email protected]

ANSO ACRONYMS WEST REGION OFFICE (HERAT) Rachel Adam - [email protected] - 0799 322 192 ACG-Armed Criminal Group / Sayed Karim- [email protected] - 0707 474 135 AEF-Afghan Eradication Forces / ANA-Afghan National Army / ANBP-Afghan National Border COUNTRY MANAGEMENT (KABUL) Police / ANP-Afghan National Nic Lee - [email protected] - 0799 325 349 Police / AOG-Armed Opposition Group / APPF-Afghan Public Nathan Ronaldson - [email protected] - 0797 165 017 Protection Forces (local depu- Patrick Malach - [email protected] - 0793 230 118 tised militias) / DC-District Centre / GOA-Government of Afghanistan / IDF-Indirect Fire (ex: mortars) / IED-Improvised Explosive Device / IMF- International Military Forces / NDS-National Directorate of Security (Intelligence) / PRP- Previous Reporting Period / FEEDBACK ON ANSO SERVICES: Advisory Board email address PSC-Private Security Company / RPG-Rocket Propelled Gre- nade / SAF-Small Arms Fire / ANSO welcomes your feedback. To provide confidential feedback, please email the VBIED-Vehicle Borne Impro- vised Explosive Device / PDO- ANSO Advisory Board at [email protected]. Private Development Organisa- tion / ALP-Afghan Local Police / LDI-Local Defence Initiative / IEA-Islamic Emirate of Afghani- stan (Taliban) / PSG-Provincial Shadow Governor (IEA) / DSG- District Shadow Governor (IEA)