RC N Watch: Im Norden geht’s ab

Um die 500 Taliban – die verschiedenen Angaben unterscheiden sich ein wenig – sind heute Nacht durch einen Tunnel aus dem Gefängnis von Kandahar ausgebrochen. Peinlich für alle, die es nicht rechtzeitig gemerkt haben – also peinlich für ISAF, weit peinlicher für die afghanischen Behörden, die Kandahar als eine der Städte genannt haben, in denen die Afghanen recht bald selbst die Verantwortung für die Sicherheit übernehmen sollen.

Aber während solche Vorfälle natürlich Schlagzeilen machen, geht weitgehend unter, was so im Norden Afghanistans passiert, wo ein deutscher General das Kommando über die ISAF-Truppen hat. Nur so mal zur Übersicht: umgekehrt chronologisch die offiziellen Meldungen des ISAF Joint Command der vergangenen sieben Tage mit den Ereignissen im Regional Command North. (Und das sind nur die ISAF-Meldungen; die der NGOs und der örtlichen Behörden sind dabei noch gar nicht berücksichtigt.)

ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 25, 2011

An Afghan and coalition force detained numerous suspected insurgents while searching for a Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin leader during a security operation in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, yesterday. The leader is the chief logistics officer for operations and the chief political officer in Baghlan. He leads a group of 25 fighters.

Based on numerous intelligence sources, the security force targeted two compounds where suspected insurgent activity occurs in search of the leader. The force secured and cleared multiple buildings, while ensuring the safety of the women and children. During both searches, the force conducted interviews with residents. After completing both searches, the force detained numerous suspected insurgents. During the search the force discovered multiple AK-47 assault rifles, a shotgun, a pistol, a chest rack and multiple magazines.

ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 24, 2011

A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and several of his associates during a security operation in Kunduz district, Kunduz province, yesterday.

The leader provided weapons and security for insurgents in Kunduz and was responsible for attacks on multiple targets, including election sites in September.

Based on intelligence reports, the combined force targeted a compound in the district where suspected insurgent activity occurs. The force commenced their search by isolating the compound and calling for all occupants to exit the buildings. All individuals complied, allowing them to secure the safety of the women and children.

While searching the area, the force discovered blasting caps, which are used for homemade bombs, on two of the individuals. The force also found multiple AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade with components, chest racks and multiple loaded magazines.

The targeted leader was identified, along with several additional individuals with suspected ties to Taliban insurgency, and was detained for further questioning.

ISAF Joint Command Evening Operational Update April 23, 2011

Afghan and coalition forces detained numerous suspected insurgents during an operation in Kunduz district, Kunduz province this morning.

Among those detained was one man suspected of leading a cell of 20 Taliban fighters and facilitating the shipment of IEDs throughout Kunduz. Another detainee is suspected of providing and building IEDs for local Taliban groups. The detainees were taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.

ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 23, 2011 (Überschrift listet irrtümlich den 22. April)

Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent and detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a facilitator during a security operation in Ishkamish district, Takhar province yesterday.

The facilitator and explosives expert supports both Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and Taliban senior leaders in Ishkamish and Burkah districts. He facilitates the construction and emplacement of improvised explosive devices.

The combined force targeted the facilitator’s suspected compound in the district based on intelligence tips. During initial clearance, an armed insurgent advanced towards the force with a pistol. The force gave several verbal warnings in multiple ethnic languages, but the armed insurgent continued to ignore the warnings. The force then escalated the use of force to warning shots. However, the insurgent continued to ignore the warnings advancing on the force with his weapon drawn in their direction, forcing them to engage him, resulting in one insurgent killed. One pistol was recovered. There were no other injuries.

Completing the mission, the force detained several suspected insurgents. No further shots fired. Women and children were protected throughout the operation.

ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 22, 2011

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a suspected insurgent during a security operation in Almar district, Faryab province, yesterday. The operation targeted a senior Taliban leader and homemade bomb expert who works with a suicide attack network targeting senior Afghan government officials and Afghan National Security Forces in the Maymanah and Dowlatabad areas. The Taliban leader is closely associated with the Taliban Commission chief for insurgent operations in the area.

The combined security force targeted a location in the district based on intelligence tips of insurgent activity in the area. The force secured and cleared the area while ensuring the safety of the women and children. The force conducted interviews with residents and after initial questioning, they identified one suspected insurgent for further questioning. There were no shots fired during the operation.

ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 19, 2011

ISAF today confirmed Mullah Abdul Fatah Haqqani was killed during an airstrike in Burkah district, Baghlan province, yesterday. Haqqani supported both the Taliban and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan networks by commanding and controlling foreign fighter facilitation and insurgent training for Baghlan province. He was responsible for overseeing the purchase of weapons and explosive devices for Taliban insurgents, supporting numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the area.

A combined Afghan and coalition force detained one suspected insurgent during a clearing operation in Ghormach district, Faryab province, yesterday. The security force targeted a Taliban safe haven in Jar-e-syah village that is known to be associated with insurgent activity. The area has historically been associated with the senior leader and head of the Taliban shura council in Ghormach.

While clearing multiple locations, the joint security force detained an individual with suspected ties to insurgent activity. The joint security force destroyed multiple weapons. Initial reports indicate no civilians were harmed during the operation.

ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update April 18, 2011

Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 10 Taliban insurgents after conducting a precision airstrike and security operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province, yesterday.

The operation was conducted to capture a Taliban leader in the district. The leader is the senior governing official for Taliban operations in the district and he maintains ties to most of the senior leadership in Kunduz, Baghlan and Takhar provinces.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force targeted a mud hut in the district after observing multiple insurgents move into the suspected hideout. The security force isolated the hut and called for all occupants to exit.

After the insurgents failed to respond to the continuous series of call-outs in multiple languages, the force initiated escalation of force procedures. The security force continued with an extended series of escalation procedures, however the insurgents remained resistant.

The combined security force subsequently moved to clear the hut. While conducting the initial clearance, they found the group of insurgents taking cover in an underground bunker in the hut. The force called for all individuals to exit the bunker. The insurgents instead engaged the force, prompting them to fall back and call for air support.

After careful planning to ensure no civilians were present, coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike on the bunker, resulting in numerous insurgents killed.

While preparing to exit the area, the Afghan and coalition force was engaged by an armed insurgent. They returned fire, killing the individual.