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Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2021 06:05:18 +0000 (UTC)
From: INSO_AFG_DIR <director@afg.ngosafety.org>
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Message-ID: <ZJKT-lOTRLWa5rcAXfDf5g@geopod-ismtpd-5-0>
Subject: INSO UPDATE 18: REPORT - AFG - JAWZJAN: Ongoing Conflict in Koh
 Gunbad and Hassan Taben Ghazgi (Shibirghan 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=
; padding: 0; font-family:'Arial', sans-serif; color:#182748">&nbsp;&nbsp;&=
nbsp;
									UPDATE 18									</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>
									<div><span style=3D"font-size:10.0pt; font-weight: bold; margin: 0=
; padding: 0; font-family:'Arial', sans-serif; color:#182748">&nbsp;&nbsp;&=
nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ATTENTION RECOMMENDED</span></div>
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lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">LOCATION=
</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;">Afghanistan, Jawzjan Province,&=
nbsp; Shibirghan District,<a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/puUzDwWJzciN7LKf7"=
>&nbsp;</a><a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/qAVm8sDkq6TTU9Wy9">Hassan Taben G=
hazgi </a>and <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/kLsBAtLuC2Yag5aG9">Koh Gunbad<=
/a> Areas&nbsp;</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%;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 0 12.5px 0; border-bo=
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 12:00								</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 11 August, 1030 h=
rs:</strong> The armed clash concluded at around 0920 hrs. Three OAG and fo=
ur PGM members were killed, and five OAG and two PGM members were wounded d=
uring the armed clash. <br /><br />Meanwhile, at Shibirghan Airport, the ar=
med opposition also fired at least seven artillery rounds from the Shor Aru=
gh Afghaniya Bekal 7 km northeast of the airport towards the airport during=
 the armed clash, killing two PMG members and wounding one more. <br /><br =
/>IDF targeting the airport continues as of the time of writing.&nbsp;<br /=
><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">Last night, at around 2200 hrs, OAG mem=
bers fired at least nine artillery rounds from the Shor Arugh Afghaniya Bek=
al area towards the airport area, killing four PGM members and wounding two=
 more.<br /><br />The Mazar-e Sharif-Shibirghan Main Road is now open to ci=
vilian traffic. However, both OAG and ANSF members remain in their position=
 and further armed clashes are likely to occur in the next 24 hours.</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;">The previous advisory remains i=
n place. NGOs are, in addition, also advised to avoid the airport area for =
the time being.&nbsp;<br /><br />INSO North will continue to monitor the si=
tuation and provide updates by email as required.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>								=
</div>
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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 11 August, 0700 h=
rs:</strong> At around 0615 hrs, OAG members attacked ANSF positions with S=
AF and RPGs in the Jalal Abad area, where ANSF and PGM members established =
a frontline to prevent OAG access to the Shibirghan Airport after withdrawi=
ng from the city.&nbsp;<br /><br />Approximately 150 OAG members are involv=
ed in the attack. However, as of the time of writing, it is unlikely that t=
he IEA will breach the ANSF and PGM defences of the airport. Morale among A=
NSF and Junbish-affiliated PGMs has improved following the arrival, last ni=
ght of former vice-president Abdul Rashid Dostum in Balkh and they are very=
 likely to resist. AAF airstrikes are also likely to take place.&nbsp;<br /=
><br />The Mazar-e Sharif-Shibirghan Main Road is closed to traffic.<br /><=
br /></div>
The previous advisory remains in place.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 08 August, 1200 hrs:</str=
ong> ANSF and PGMs did not, over the course of the night, attempt to take b=
ack the city from OAG members. Former first vice-president Dostum reportedl=
y asked Junbish-affiliated militias to stand by until 1600 hrs today. Yar M=
ohammad Dostum remains at the airport, along ANSF and government leadership=
.&nbsp;<br /><br />Unconfirmed reports suggest that Dosum may arrive in Shi=
birghan today to lead an operation to recapture the city, including his com=
pound, which IEA members are reportedly looting. As such, clashes are expec=
ted towards the afternoon and evening.&nbsp;<br /><br />Meanwhile, earlier =
accusations from Dostum-affiliated Junbish members that Junbish militias af=
filiated to Ahmad Ishchi had surrendered to the armed opposition seem to ha=
ve been true to an extent. Yesterday, Babur Ishchi, Ahmad Ishchi's son, sur=
rendered to the IEA together with approximately 20 armed men.&nbsp;<br /><b=
r />While the above were reportedly allowed to leave, OAG members demonstra=
ted significantly less tolerance towards other PGM members. At around 1130 =
hrs yesterday, OAG members entered the Shibighan Public Hospital in PD 1 an=
d shot and killed 21 wounded PGM members who had come for treatment. Fourte=
en more PGM members were shot and killed in the Kart-e Dostum area in PD 2,=
 after they initially resisted the OAG advance.&nbsp;<br /><br />While the =
IEA did not conduct a ground offensive on the airport, OAG members fired at=
 least five mortars targeting the Shibirghan Airport from the Shor Arugh ar=
ea, 3 km northeast of the facility. All mortars landed in an open area. Aro=
und 150 ANA and PGM members established a frontline in the Jalal Abad area,=
 in order to stop OAG access to the airport and movement in and out of the =
city.<br /><br />Finally, yesterday evening, IMF conducted at least two air=
strikes in the Ashraf Area of PD 3, using B52-aircraft, against an OAG gath=
ering inside the ANA brigade. Reportedly, nearly 100 OAG members were kille=
d and around 50 others were wounded. Civilians may be among the casualties,=
 however, as a number of locals came to the ANA brigade to collect the rema=
ins of ANSF members killed.&nbsp;</div>
<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 07 August, 1445 hrs:</str=
ong> ANSF members withdrew from the Jangal Bagh area of PD 3, towards the a=
irport, at approximately 1230 hrs. Government forces from Khwaja Du Koh Dis=
trict also retreated to the airport, and the DAC is now under IEA control.&=
nbsp;<br /><br />As of the time of writing, the Shibirghan Airport remains =
the only area in Jawzjan under government control. Reportedly, ANSF are pla=
nning to retake the city once more starting from the airport. While the tim=
ing and tactics of this supposed counter-offensive are unconfirmed, it appe=
ars likely that the government will attempt to retake the city tonight. Rep=
ortedly, approximately 200 PGM members from Balkh Province arrived to the a=
irport by air this early afternoon.&nbsp; Following the meeting this mornin=
g between former first vice-president Dostum and President Ghani, it is lik=
ely that the central government will increase military support for the ANSF=
 and PGM response in Jawzjan, however, the nature of this support is unclea=
r for the time being.&nbsp;<br /><br />During the clashes earlier today in =
Kart-e Dostum, nine OAG members and 11 PGM members were killed, while 13 mo=
re PGM members were wounded. Meanwhile, during the clashes ahead of the IEA=
's overrunning the prison, eight OAG members and 10 ANP members were killed=
, while nine OAG members and 14 ANP members were wounded. Since this mornin=
g, seven civilians were also killed collaterally in clashes in different pa=
rts of the city. The above figures are likely to be revised upwards.&nbsp;<=
/div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 07 August, 1100 hrs:</str=
ong> At approximately 1040 hrs, ANSF members, along with Yar Mohmmad Dostum=
, the Chief of NDS and the Provincial Governor (who, contrary to previous r=
eports, has not been killed) withdrew from the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/ma=
ps/8qTrMxtn5uuaqt9aA">Kart-e Dostum area</a> towards the airport. OAG membe=
rs now have control of Kart-e Dostum. <br /><br />Armed clashes are ongoing=
 at the ANA brigade in PD 3's <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/TZji79BvvPwU9p=
8K9">Ashraf (Jangal Bagh) area</a> as of the time of reporting. Aside from =
the airport and the Ashraf area, the entirety of Shibirghan is now under IE=
A control. Elsewhere in Jawzjan, Khwaja Du Koh is the only district in the =
province still under government control.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 07 August, 0800 hrs:</str=
ong> OAG members indeed resumed their offensive on Shibirghan City last nig=
ht.&nbsp;<br /><br />At approximately 0700 hrs, after an attack on the faci=
lity, OAG members took control of the Jawzjan Prison in PD 3, in the Eid Ma=
hala area. Reportedly, OAG members released nearly 400 prisoners. As of the=
 time of writing, OAG members also have control of the ANP HQ and the PD 3 =
ANP compound, adjacent to the prison.<br /><br />An armed clash is currentl=
y ongoing between ANSF and OAG in the Kart-e Dostum area in PD 2, as well a=
s the ANA brigade in the Ashraf area of PD 3, which are the only areas outs=
ide OAG control in Shibirghan City at the moment.<br /><br />Reportedly, ap=
proximately 200 OAG members had, during yesterday's fighting, taken refuge =
in abandoned civilian houses, and mounted their offensive from there. ANSF =
resistance was, once more, minimal, and most of the fighting is between OAG=
s and PGM members affiliated to former first vice-president Dostum, with Do=
stum's son Yar Mohammad leading the fighting. Single source information sug=
gests that the provincial governor, Hashim Rayess, was killed in the Kart-e=
 Dostum area, although this could not be independently confirmed.&nbsp;</di=
v>
<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 06 August, 1700 hrs:</str=
ong> Following heavy fighting, ANSF members along with militia members affi=
liated to former vice-president Dostum managed to push back OAG members fro=
m the city, and retook the areas that came under IEA control today, includi=
ng the governor's compound.&nbsp;<br /><br />The OAG members withdrew to th=
e Bandar-e Sar-e Pul area, which is now the main frontline. &nbsp;<br /><br=
 />As of the time of writing, INSO had managed to confirm that, since this =
morning, 72 OAG members were killed and 41 others were wounded, while 21 AN=
SF members were killed and 26 others were wounded. These figures may be rev=
ised upwards.&nbsp;<br /><br />Despite the relatively rapid and successful =
ANSF and PGM counter-offensive, the IEA's intention remains, reportedly, to=
 overrun Shibirghan City, and a renewed assault can be expected. Meanwhile,=
 former first vice-president Dostum remains in Kabul and is, contrary to wa=
s previously reported, yet to meet President Ghani. While his exact demands=
 are as yet unclear, government support in the form of continued airstrikes=
 and ammunition is, by some, assessed as very important for defending again=
st future OAG advances.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">The previous advisory remains in place =
for the time being, given that, despite a relatively successful clearing op=
eration, OAG members may again attempt to push into the city.&nbsp;</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 06 August, 1500 hrs:</str=
ong> OAG members have progressed further into the city. The IEA has taken c=
ontrol of former first vice-president Abdul Rashid Dostum&rsquo;s Palace in=
 the Bandar-e Andkhoy area, the Provincial Governor&rsquo;s Office, the Cou=
rt of Justice Compound, Municipality Compound, the ANP PD 1 and ANP PD 2 co=
mpounds in the Chaman area, and the ANP HQ PD 3compound in the Yaka Chinar =
area.<br /><br />Armed clashes are currently ongoing in the Bandar-e Aqcha =
area, in front of the City Prison and the PD 3 ANP compound in the Yaka Chi=
nar area.<br /><br />ANSF members who had withdrawn to the Jalal Abad area =
returned to the city and are fighting with OAG members in Bandar-e Aqcha, w=
hich is the current frontline. Single source information indicates that Abd=
ul Rashid Dostum's son, Yar Mohammad Dostum, along with the Provincial Gove=
rnor, Chief of Police, and the NDS Director, also returned to Bandar-e Aqch=
a from Jalal Abad. <br /><br />AAF helicopters are in the air but have not =
conducted airstrikes against OAG positions inside the city.&nbsp;</div>
<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 06 August, 1245 hrs:</str=
ong> OAG members have entered the city centre, and are located 50 metres so=
uth of the city park area. Armed clashes are ongoing inside the city in mul=
tiple locations in PDs 1, 2, and 3. <br /><br />Most ANSF members in the ci=
ty, together with the NDS Chief for Jawzjan Province, withdrew to the Jalal=
 Abad area, where the airport is situated, and may mount a response from th=
e northeastern direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Junbish-affiliated militia=
 members are, however, resisting east of the city park, while the ANSF comm=
andos who arrived yesterday are responding to IEA advances near the Jawzjan=
 Prison, approximately 800 metres to the Northwest.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">The previous advisory remains in place,=
 and is extended towards the city centre.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">NGO staff currently in Shibirghan City =
are advised to remain indoors and away from windows, while relocating from =
the city at this time would come at a very high risk.&nbsp;</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 05 August, 0900 hrs:</str=
ong> Over the night, OAG members in the Sofi Qala area withdrew to the <a h=
ref=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/nM2XcsaXkLHxkea6A">Salaamazan area</a>. In the s=
ame area yesterday, from 1100 to 1600 hrs, an armed clash was ongoing after=
 OAG members attacked an ANSF position, resulting 26 PGM and OAG casualties=
. This was partly the result of at least five AAF airstrikes during the cou=
rse of the fighting.&nbsp;<br /><br />Last night, OAG members conducted a s=
eries of attacks on ANSF positions in Koh Gunbad, Ghora and Kilak areas. Wi=
thin approximately two hours, OAG members overran these positions, determin=
ing ANSF to withdraw to <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/ZvXuxo5rZ3KBopeq6">t=
he Chaghsay area</a> and the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/pgzT2wsmiaDcFuN=
L8">Arab Khana area</a>, with the frontline moving very close to the city c=
entre. Armed clashes are ongoing between Kilak and Chaghsay areas as of the=
 time of writing. The intensity of the clashes is evident in a very high nu=
mber of combatant casualties.&nbsp; At least 18 PGM and ANSF members were k=
illed, including the Chief of Police for Qush Tepa District, while 24 more =
PGM members were wounded. On the side of the armed opposition, at least 45 =
OAG members were killed and 50 more were wounded, with the OAG casualties l=
argely the result of AAF airstrikes, with at least 13 airstrikes conducted =
in the three locations.&nbsp;<br /><br />The OAG attacks may be construed a=
s a last push before a likely return of former first vice-president Abdul R=
ashid Dostum to Shibirghan to lead a counter-offensive in an attempt to pus=
h the armed opposition out of the city. For the time being, Dostum is in Ka=
bul, likely requesting support from President Ashraf Ghani and security sec=
tor ministers for this possible counter-offensive. The outcome of these dis=
cussions is difficult to predict, however, in a speech to a joint session o=
f the Afghan Parliament on 02 August, the President stated that all militia=
s should fall under NDS command.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">The previous advisory remains in place,=
 and is extended towards the city centre.</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 04 August, 2000 hrs:</str=
ong> At approximately 1930 hrs, ANSF members attacked an OAG members' posit=
ion in the Ghora area with SAF and RPGs. An armed clash is ongoing. AAF hel=
icopters are in the air and airstrikes are highly likely.<br /><br />The at=
tack is not part of a planned operation was likely precipitated by the arri=
val, this afternoon, of former first vice-president Abdul Rashid Dostum, in=
 Afghanistan, crossing through the Hairatan border. Dostum is expected to f=
ly into soon Shibirghan. The arrival served to boost the morale of both ANS=
F and PGM members in Shibirghan, and it is likely that government forces be=
gin pushing back OAG members from the southern outskirts of the city.<br />=
<br />Additionally, in Khwaja Du Koh District, approximately 40 IEA members=
, led by commander Qari Ansar, surrendered to ANSF, in the Koh Gunbad area.=
 Reportedly, Ansar had been in contact with Dostum prior to the surrender, =
and further groups of armed opposition in Jawzjan are expected to surrender=
 tomorrow. A financial compensation could not be confirmed at the time of w=
riting. Possibly also related to Dostum's arrival, in the early evening tod=
ay, around 150 OAG members left the Qara Kent area, approximately 8 km sout=
h of Shibirghan City, back to Sar-e Pul District.&nbsp;<br /><br />Elsewher=
e in southern Shibirghan, late last night, in the Koh Gunbad area, OAG memb=
ers attacked an ANSF outpost with SAF and RPGs, killing four PGM members an=
d wounding six others. Subsequently, AAF conducted at least nine airstrikes=
 using HMGs targeting an OAG in an open area, and killing 29 OAG members an=
d wounding 46 others. The clash ended early morning today at around 0400 hr=
s. Earlier, at approximately 1800 hrs on 03 August, in the Marghab area, AA=
F conducted at least two airstrikes using HMGs killing two OAG members.<br =
/><br />Meanwhile, no clashes or IEA advancement were recorded in Sofi Qala=
. This may be related to the fact that, on 03 August, AAF conducted at leas=
t five airstrikes using HMGs, targeting a group of OAG members, and killing=
 21 OAG members and wounding 7 others, which amounted to close to a third o=
f the IEA members deployed there. Five - abandoned - civilians houses were =
also damaged.&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.&nbsp;<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 03 August, 1230 hrs:</str=
ong> Approximately 100 OAG members have now taken position in the <a href=
=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/v7zCGVPztcTkBBht5">Sofi Qala area</a>, approximatel=
y 4 km northeast of Shibirghan City at around 2000 hrs. The OAG members in =
Sofi Qala moved there from Aqcha District. The purpose of this group is, re=
portedly, that, should OAG members overrun the city from the south, they wo=
uld prevent PGM and ANSF members from withdrawing towards the west and sout=
hwest of the city, to the <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/u9QWbtRBb6KCiZQ39"=
>Yateem Qala</a> and <a href=3D"https://goo.gl/maps/ZpYKAbNhFxPcG9HSA">Khwa=
ja Gogerdak</a> areas.&nbsp;<br /><br />Nonetheless, an option may be for t=
hem to open another frontline at the city outskirts in addition to the exis=
ting one in the south of Shibighan. Locals expect armed clashes in the area=
. Approximately 250 families reside in the Sofi Qala area, and around 80 of=
 them have left their homes for Shibirghan City due to the threat of clashe=
s. However, as yet, no armed clashes have been reported.&nbsp;<br /><br />M=
eanwhile, to the south of Shibirghan, AAF helicopters are in the air and ai=
rstrikes are very likely in the coming hour. In addition to the information=
 in the previous update, yesterday evening, southern Shibirghan recorded th=
e second highest-casualty incident involving airstrikes in July, in the Has=
san Taben area. At least 19 airstrikes using aerial bombs and HMG killed 45=
 OAG members and wounded 23 others, as well as damaged OAG firearms stocks.=
</div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">The previous advisory remains in place.=
 In addition, NGOs are advised to avoid the Sofi Qala area, due to the like=
lihood of OAG attacks or AAF airstrikes to the northeast of Shibirghan City=
.&nbsp;</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 03 August, 0800 hrs:</str=
ong> At around midnight, OAG members attacked two ANSF positions in the Koh=
 Gunbad and Marghab areas, using RPGs and SAF. Sporadic firing is still ong=
oing. AAF helicopters were briefly in the air last night, but did not condu=
ct airstrikes.&nbsp;<br /><br />Since the armed clashes started in Koh Kunb=
ad, nine OAG and four PGM members have been killed, and four OAG and five P=
GM members have been wounded. In the Marghab area, five OAG and two PMG mem=
bers have been killed, while six OAG and four PMG members were wounded. The=
 attacks appear slightly larger than previously, and, although the OAG memb=
ers have not been able to advance territorially thus far, they may be the o=
nset of a more serious OAG effort to challenge government control in the ci=
ty.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 02 August, 1500 hrs:</str=
ong> AAF helicopters are in the air above the Hassan Taben Ghazgi and Morgh=
ab areas, and airstrikes are expected in the coming hours.&nbsp;<br /><br /=
>Over the course of yesterday, AAF conducted at least seven airstrikes in b=
oth areas, resulting in 13 OAG members killed and four more wounded, contin=
uing a high tempo of ANSF air activity in the south of Shibirghan City whic=
h has thus far prevented OAG members from advancing further north.&nbsp;<br=
 /><br />The air support and supplies recently shipped by air have given a =
boost to ANSF and PGM morale at the local level, and strong resistance to O=
AG attempts to conduct an assault on the city is likely. This high level of=
 airstrikes in a province that had hardly seen AAF activity prior to July a=
lso reflects, however, a growing concern that such an attack might take pla=
ce. Indeed, aside from the earlier reported approximately 200 IEA members a=
rriving to support the OAG effort from Sar-e Pul, OAG members have also rep=
ortedly arrived from Faryab, Ghor, Badghis and other districts of Jawzjan t=
o the southern outskirts of the provincial capital.</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 01 August, 1200 hrs:</str=
ong> AAF continued to conduct airstrikes in the Hassan Taben Ghazgi and Gho=
ra, with the areas each recording at least four airstrikes mid-morning and =
in the late afternoon on 31 July. Ten OAG members were killed and four more=
 were wounded as a result. Much higher OAG casualties - 37 OAG members kill=
ed - resulted from a series of airstrikes north of Shibirghan, in Khwaja Du=
 Koh District.&nbsp;<br /><br />OAG members conducted only one attack, duri=
ng the night of 31 July, in the Koh Gunbad area targeting a PGM checkpoint =
on the Shibirghan-Sar-e Pul Road, with the PGM response resulting in upward=
s of 20 OAG casualties. However, there are strong indications that conflict=
 activity to the south of Shibirghan City will intensify in the coming 24-4=
8 hrs. Indeed, approximately 200 IEA members have arrived from Sar-e Pul Pr=
ovince yesterday, and, while this could not be fully confirmed, may have th=
e intention to conduct an assault on the city.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 31 July, 1245 hrs:</stron=
g> Conflict activity over the past two days was marked by a continued high =
frequency of AAF airstrikes, which reached five such incidents within the s=
pace of 24 hours on 30 July. These took place in Hassan Taben Ghazgi, Ghora=
, and Marghab areas, all during the daytime.&nbsp;<br /><br />The most impa=
ctful incident resulted in 21 OAG members killed and two more wounded as AA=
F conducted several airstrikes using HMGs against a government-run school i=
n the Hassan Taben Ghazgi area, which OAG members were using as a base. At =
least 15 more OAG members died, and eight more were injured as a result of =
AAF air operations in the past 24 hours.&nbsp;<br /><br />Meanwhile, perhap=
s illustrative of the fluidity of the conflict on the outskirts of Shibirgh=
an City, on 30 July, 10 OAG members were killed and two more were wounded b=
y the detonation of an IED. A group of IEA members had emplaced the device =
close to the gate of a garden in the Ghora area and was meant to target ANS=
F. However, ANSF withdrew and the area was overrun by another group of IEA =
members who were unaware of the IED.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">OAG advances closer to the centre of Sh=
ibirghan City, while notable since the beginning of July and reflected in t=
his reporting stream, appear to have slowed down as the tempo of AAF airstr=
ikes rose. However, as of yet, ANSF have not attempted to recapture territo=
ry lost to the armed opposition, and government forces appear more intent o=
n causing OAG casualties and preventing further OAG advances. However, most=
 of the southern pro-government positions in the city are manned by Junbish=
-affiliated PGMs, which are, reportedly, not being resupplied, meaning that=
 their ability to resist in the coming weeks may be contingent on governmen=
t support. The IEA for the time being at least does not appear intent on ov=
errunning the city in a large assault.&nbsp;</div>
<br />The previous advisory remains in place.<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 28 July, 0930 hrs:</stron=
g> AAF conducted a series of airstrikes in Hassan Taben Ghazgi, Tonukeya Uz=
bekya, and Tonukeya Marghab on the evening of 27 July, killing 18 OAG membe=
rs and wounding a further 21 OAG members.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">OAG members have taken cover in civilia=
n homes in Hassan Taben Ghazgi. Reports suggest that the frequency of AAF a=
irstrikes may increase as the likelihood of civilian casualties is lower be=
cause many residents have left the area for Shibirghan City and Mazar-e Sha=
rif.</div>
<br /><br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 27 July, 0930 hrs:</stron=
g> On 26 and 27 July fighting between OAG members and ANSF personnel contin=
ued in Hassan Taben Ghazgi and Koh Gunbad. AAF conducted a series of airstr=
ikes in Hassan Taben Ghazgi on 26 July at 1800, targeting OAG positions ins=
ide civilian homes in the area and killing one civilian.&nbsp;<br /><br /><=
/div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">OAG members attacked the Koh Gunbad che=
ckpoint at 0100 hrs on 27 July, leading to a heavy firefight between OAG me=
mbers and ANSF personnel. The clash killed two PGM members and four OAG mem=
bers, wounding one PGM member and five OAG members.<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">During the firefight in Koh Gunbad a mo=
rtar round impacted a civilian home and killed six civilians, including a w=
oman and a child.&nbsp;</div>
<br />
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><strong>As of 25 July, 1200 hrs:</stron=
g> Beginning on 07 July, OAG members mounted a series of attacks on ANSF pe=
rsonnel stationed along the Shibirghan-Sar-e Pul Road in Shibirghan Distric=
t. Repeated armed clashes occurred in Afghan Tepa Afghaniya, Sea Shanba Afg=
haniya, Toorkhil, Qara Kent, Nowabad Pump Khana, and Alta Khowja. ANSF pers=
onnel withdrew from checkpoints and bases along the road to the outpost con=
trolling access to Shibirghan City in Nowabad Pump Khana on 15 July. OAG me=
mbers then took control of the Nowabad Pump Khana outpost on 16 July, when =
ANSF members withdrew into the city and established a position in the Koh G=
unbad area to prevent OAG members from entering Shibirghan.<br /><br />Appr=
oximately 700 OAG members are now using the Hassan Taben Ghazgi area as a b=
ase to launch attacks on ANSF personnel in Koh Gunbad on 17, 22, 23, and 24=
 July. ANSF personnel conducted a clearing operation in Hassan Taben Ghazgi=
 on 17 July, in addition to airstrikes on 16, 17 and 24 July against OAG me=
mbers in Hassan Taben Ghazgi.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">NGOs are advised to avoid all movement =
in the Hassan Taben Ghazgi and Koh Gunbad areas. The risk of collateral dam=
age from airstrikes or involvement in a firefight remains very high in both=
 areas.<br /><br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">In addition, NGOs with staff present in=
 the Hassan Taben Ghazgi or Koh Gunbad areas are advised to ensure that com=
munication and reporting channels 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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							<td width=3D"23%" valign=3D"top" style=3D"font-weight: bold; width:2=
3.52%; border:none; font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; co=
lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">ISSUED B=
Y</div>
							</td>
							<td width=3D"63%" valign=3D"top" style=3D"width:63.58%; font-size: 1=
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></p>								</d=
iv>
							</td>
						</tr>
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							<td width=3D"23%" valign=3D"top" style=3D"font-weight: bold; width:2=
3.52%; border:none; font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; co=
lor:#15274B;  ">
								<div style=3D"margin: 12.5px 25px; padding: 0 12.5px 0 0;">INSO SER=
IAL #</div>
							</td>
							<td width=3D"63%" valign=3D"top" style=3D"width:63.58%; font-size: 1=
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/#001-U18								</div>
							</td>
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			<td style=3D"width: 100%; border:1px solid #C1C2C4; background-color:#53=
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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