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Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:19:13 +0000 (UTC)
From: INSO_AFG_DIR <director@afg.ngosafety.org>
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Message-ID: <ZpnRH4aDQ962pLwERL8LdA@geopod-ismtpd-2-0>
Subject: INSO UPDATE 9: REPORT - AFG - SAR-E PUL: Ongoing Conflict in Kohna
 Bazar (Sar-e Pul City)
To: Reza Jamal <logistic.manager@jack.ngo>

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				This report is for the exclusive use of INSO partners and must not be s=
hared outside your organisation			</td>
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									<div><span style=3D"font-size:15.0pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0=
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									UPDATE 9									</span></div>
									<div><span style=3D"font-size:24.0pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0=
; padding: 0; font-family:'Arial', sans-serif; color:#5376b6">&nbsp;&nbsp;R=
EPORT</span></div>
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; padding: 0; font-family:'Arial', sans-serif; color:#182748">&nbsp;&nbsp;&=
nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ATTENTION RECOMMENDED</span></div>
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								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">LOCATION=
</div>
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ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">Afghanistan, Sar-e Pul Province=
, Sar-e Pul District, <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/3esAATgWyxEE9ULL9">Koh=
na Bazar</a> Area</div>								</div>
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lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">INCIDENT=
 TYPE</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  ">
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ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								Repeated Armed Clashes 								</div>
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lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">DATE & T=
IME</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  ">
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ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								25/07/2021 18:30								</div>
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lor:#15274B;  background: #dcdcde;">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">UPDATED =
INFORMATION</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  background: #dc=
dcde;">
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ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 09 August, 0900 h=
rs:</strong> The ANSF members who had retreated to the ANA regiment near Im=
am Kalan were extracted by air yesterday. As of the time of writing, the AN=
SF presence in Sar-e Pul Province was limited to Balkhab District only. The=
 200 ANP members who were yesterday resisting near the governor's office su=
rrendered yesterday afternoon to the OAG members; contrary to other example=
s in the north, they were not shot and killed, but were allowed to leave wi=
thout their weapons.&nbsp;<br /><br />Over the course of yesterday, AAF con=
ducted airstrikes in the Baloch Khana and Olqani areas, while ANA fired at =
least 30 rounds of IDF into the Olqani area and at least 70 more IDF rounds=
 into the Baish Bagh area. OAG casualties are unknown for the moment, howev=
er, the airstrikes killed four civilians (all women) and wounded nine other=
 civilians. At least 50 private residences were damaged by artillery fire, =
including the private residence of an NGO staff member in the Baish Bagh ar=
ea.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">AAF helicopters are sporadically in the=
 air, and further airstrikes, including in civilian areas, are likely. None=
theless, with ANSF overstretched in attempting to respond in several provin=
ces, a counter-offensive is unlikely to be imminent, and other provincial c=
apitals will be prioritised.&nbsp;</div>								</div>
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lor:#15274B;  background: #dcdcde;">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">UPDATED =
ADVICE</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  background: #dc=
dcde;">
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ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">Given further expected airstrik=
es, NGO staff are advised to avoid non-essential movement within the city a=
nd to consider notifying conflict parties of their locations. NGOs who wish=
 to use the current humanitarian notification system are encouraged to reac=
h out to OCHA or INSO for guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">INSO North will continue to monitor the=
 situation and provide updates by email as required.&nbsp;</div>								</d=
iv>
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lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">INITIAL =
REPORT</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  ">
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ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 08 August, 2200 h=
rs:</strong> At approximately 2030 hrs, OAG members attacked the ANA regime=
nt in Imam Kalan Area, located 3-4 km from the city centre, where most ANSF=
 members had withdrawn earlier today. As of the time of writing, the clash =
is not intense, and OAG members are unlikely to be able to overrun the ANA =
base. AAF helicopters are in the air and airstrikes are highly likely in th=
e area.&nbsp;<br /><br />There have otherwise been no changes since the pre=
vious update, with casualty figures thus far difficult to confirm.&nbsp;<br=
 /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">While armed clashes are currently not o=
ngoing in the city, NGOs continue to be advised against non-essential movem=
ents within the city or across frontlines at the southwestern outskirts.&nb=
sp;</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 08 August, 0900 hrs:</str=
ong> At around 0745 hrs this morning, OAG members entered Sar-e Pul City an=
d overran the provincial governor's office, the PD 2 ANP compound in the Af=
redi area, the PD 3 ANP compound in the Imam Kalan area, the PD 1 ANP compo=
und in the Shahr-e Kohnah area, and the Imam Khord area. ANSF members, incl=
uding the commandos who arrived two days ago to Sar-e Pul, withdrew to the =
ANA regiment, located 1 km south of the Imam Kalan area. Approximately 20 A=
NATF member surrendered to the armed opposition in the Imam Khord area, whi=
le some more ANSF have reportedly surrendered in other parts of the city.&n=
bsp;<br /><br />Sporadic armed clashes are ongoing around the governor's co=
mpound between OAG members and approximately 200 ANP members who have not y=
et managed to withdraw from the area. AAF helicopters are in the air, howev=
er, their intent appears to be extracting the ANSF members from the Imam Ka=
lan ANA Regiment rather than conducting airstrikes.&nbsp;<br /><br />Casual=
ties have been reported, including the collateral injury of an NGO staff me=
mber. However, total figures could not be confirmed.<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">NGO staff currently in Sar-e Pul City a=
re advised to remain indoors and away from windows. Given that the conflict=
 in the city is in an active stage, a relocation at this moment is discoura=
ged unless absolutely necessary.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 07 August, 0900 hrs:</str=
ong> Yesterday evening, at approximately 2130 hrs, OAG members attacked PD =
2 ANP compound located in the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/3FG4Ne1WR7Mnvj=
o9A">Imam Khord area</a> with SAF and RPGs.&nbsp; The armed clash concluded=
 shortly after, after AAF conducted at least three airstrikes targeting OAG=
 members in an open area near Imam Khord, killing four OAG members, includi=
ng a mid-level commander and wounding eight others. OAG members remain near=
by the Imam Khord and further armed clashes are expected to occur in the co=
ming 24 hours.&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 06 August, 1100 hrs:</str=
ong> Armed clashed in Imam Kalan (against the PD 3 ANP HQ) ended at around =
midnight, and moved to the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/PJwUtoFSfHf37qZy5=
">Olqani Kalan area</a>, north of Imam Kalan and further away from the city=
 centre.<br /><br />Similarly, OAG members withdrew from the Qazi Kante are=
a to the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/8iMDEDTageWUAqtbA">Selbor Kocha are=
a</a>.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">AAF helicopters responded and used heav=
y machine guns targeting OAG positions during the armed clash in Imam Kalan=
, however, casualties are unknown. <br /><br />OAG members remain in the ne=
ighbouring villages and further armed clashes are expected to occur in the =
next 24-48 hrs. However, given the strength of the ANSF response and the pr=
esence of commandos in the city, the IEA's ability for the time being to ov=
errun the provincial capital is assessed as low.&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 05 August, 2200 hrs:</str=
ong> At approximately 2030 hrs, OAG members attacked the PD 3 ANP compound =
in the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/3rsxeU5xAR5kMxyW9">Imam Kalan</a> are=
a to the west of the provincial capital with SAF and RPGs. Additionally, OA=
G members attacked an ANSF outpost with SAF and RPGs in the <a href=3D"http=
s://goo.gl/maps/3JXrzFpvFBdHTRST8">Qazi Kante area</a>, north of the city. =
Armed clashes are ongoing in both locations.<br /><br />While these clashes=
 are expected to escalate overnight, OAG members are not, as of yet, in a p=
osition to overrun the provincial capital. Indeed, possibly following forme=
r first vice-president Dostum's meetings today in Kabul, including with Pre=
sident Ghani, it appears that additional support will be coming from the ce=
ntral government. In the late afternoon today, approximately 200 ANSF comma=
ndos arrived to Sar-e Pul City to support local ANSF, while 300 more arrive=
d in Shibirghan this evening. Heavy clashes are expected.&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place, and is now extended to areas =
closer to Sar-e Pul's City Centre.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 05 August, 1800 hrs:</str=
ong> Yesterday evening, at around 2100 hrs, ANSF positioned at three checkp=
oints in the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/uZReUonsbAetqYRj8">Yakab Dasht =
area</a> withdrew 800 meters north, to the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/n=
Up285ZdXuHYUT467">Menhaj Saraj High School</a> in PD 3. OAG members advance=
d into Yakab Dasht and are now close to the city centre. Following the with=
drawal, AAF conducted at least three airstrikes in Yakab Dasht, killing fou=
r OAG members and wounding eight more.&nbsp;<br /><br />The reason for the =
withdrawal of the ANSF members, amongst them 20 commandos, remains unclear.=
 The ANSF members took their weapons and equipment with them when retreatin=
g. The decision does not appear related to immediate OAG pressure, nor to h=
ave been negotiated, and as such may be tactical in nature, aimed at a cons=
olidation inside Sar-e Pul City to defend against a possible attack coming =
from the north of the city.&nbsp;<br /><br />While the risk of an OAG assau=
lt on the city is low for the moment due to many OAG members in the vicinit=
y of the provincial capital now supporting the IEA's effort in Shibirghan, =
the recent return of approximately 150 OAG members back to Sar-e Pul (see A=
FGHANISTAN/NORTH/R/25072021/#001-U9) may encourage an assault. ANSF are exp=
ected to resist, and, should an attack take place, significant clashes can =
be expected, even though the number of airstrikes may be lower than in othe=
r, more strategic, provinces in the Northern Region&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place, and is now extended to areas =
closer to Sar-e Pul's City Centre.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 02 August, 2130 hrs:</str=
ong> An armed clash, harassing in nature, erupted in PD 2's Kohna Bazar Are=
a, after OAG members attacked an ANSF outpost using SAF and RPGs. The clash=
 is ongoing at the time of writing.&nbsp;<br /><br />Two more clashes have =
taken place in the same area since the last update, in the evening of 31 Ju=
ly, against a PGM outpost and the morning of 01 August, against an ANP conv=
oy travelling on a village road. Neither resulted in any casualties.&nbsp;<=
br /><br />A large number of IEA members in northern Sar-e Pul City have le=
ft to support IEA efforts in southern Shibirghan City after an AAF campaign=
 there caused significant casualties (please see AFGHANISTAN/NORTH/R/250720=
21/#001-U5). As such, with the OAG focus currently in the neighbouring prov=
ince, these small-scale attacks are not intended to advance further into Sa=
r-e Pul City but rather to demonstrate presence and keep a modicum of press=
ure on ANSF stationed in Kohna Bazar.&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 31 July, 2100 hrs:</stron=
g> Sar-e Pul City's outskirts remained relatively uneventful since the prev=
ious update, even as the IEA retained a presence in Kohna Bazar. This eveni=
ng, at approximately 2030 hrs, OAG members attacked two ANSF outposts in th=
e area, using RPGs and SAF, and a low-intensity armed clash is ongoing as o=
f the time of writing. The attack is assessed as harassing in nature and is=
 unlikely to develop into a larger assault in the short term.<br /><br /></=
div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">Part of the reason for this relative lu=
ll in OAG activity on Sar-e Pul City's outskirts may be the reported depart=
ure of approximately 200 IEA members from Sar-e Pul to Jawzjan, to support =
the OAG's efforts in the south of Shibirghan City. As Sar-e Pul City is con=
sidered a comparatively easier target due to its small size and remoteness,=
 OAG efforts may concentrate elsewhere in the Northern Region in the near f=
uture. Nonetheless, due to the presence of both parties to the conflict in =
Khona Bazar and the likelihood of clashes, the risk of collateral casualtie=
s and damage for civilians remains significant.</div>
<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 25 July, 1830 hrs:</stron=
g> ANSF members withdrew from checkpoints and outposts north of Sar-e Pul C=
ity after a series of armed clashes on 15 and 16 July, establishing a posit=
ion in Kohna Bazar approximately 2 km north of the city centre. This outpos=
t prevents OAG members from entering Sar-e Pul City from the north.<br /><b=
r /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">Since the ANSF withdrawal, OAG members =
have been in control of the Qargho, Fayzabad, and Sorkhak areas immediately=
 north of Kohna Bazar. OAG members are using these areas as a base to launc=
h attacks on the ANSF personnel in Kohna Bazar, with sporadic exchanges of =
fire between the two sides on 17 and 24 July.&nbsp;<br /><br />OAG members =
have emplaced a series of RCIEDs on the Sar-e Pul-Shibirghan Road between S=
ar-e Pul City and Kohna Bazar to prevent ANSF personnel from travelling bet=
ween the two areas. On 16 July, two IEDs detonated and damaged culverts on =
the road.</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">NGOs are advised to avoid all but essen=
tial movement in the Kohna Bazar area, as the risk of collateral damage fro=
m IED detonations or involvement in a firefight remains very high.&nbsp;<br=
 /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">In addition, NGOs with staff present in=
 Kohna Bazar are advised to ensure that communication and reporting channel=
s with their staff remain operational.<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">In the event of clashes, NGO staff are =
advised to remain indoors, away from windows, and seek shelter inside safe =
rooms or hardened structures.</div>								</div>
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lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">ISSUED B=
Y</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 0 12.5px 0; border-bo=
ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								<p>Country Director, Ermina Strutinschi<br /><br /><a href=3D"mailt=
o:director@afg.ngosafety.org">director@afg.ngosafety.org</a><br /><br /></p=
>								</div>
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lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">INSO SER=
IAL #</div>
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2.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; line-height:115%;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 0 12.5px 0; border-bo=
ttom:1px solid #C1C2C4;">
								AFGHANISTAN/NORTH/R/25072021/#002-U9								</div>
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76b6; padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; height:63px; font-size:7.5pt; font-family:'A=
rial', sans-serif; color:white; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;=
">
				INSO exists to provide dedicated security services to the NGO community=
. As a free service, INSO and its donors or partners, accept no liability w=
hatsoever for claims as may result from the provision or utilisation of the=
se free services. Whilst every effort is made to the verify data, INSO cann=
ot guarantee the accuracy of information provided. Reproduction of INSO inf=
ormation is prohibited.									<br>
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