JezK

Edit File: 1630925406.M568982P3296403.mocha3025.mochahost.com,S=21951,W=22333:2,S

Envelope-to: faisal.ahmadzai@jack.ngo
Delivery-date: Mon, 06 Sep 2021 06:50:06 -0400
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 2021 10:49:25 +0000 (UTC)
From: INSO_AFG_MOBILE2_SA <sa.mobile2@afg.ngosafety.org>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Message-ID: <U_aKnHc7Rf-R45hDW1r5vQ@geopod-ismtpd-2-1>
Subject: INSO REPORT - AFG - KABUL: Kabul-Mazar-e Sharif Ground Route
 Assessment
To: Faisal Ahmadzai <faisal.ahmadzai@jack.ngo>

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN' 'http://www.w3.org=
/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd'><html><body><head><meta name=3D'viewport'=
 content=3D'initial-scale=3D1.0'><title>Alert Update</title></head><body><c=
enter><table width=3D"580" style=3D" width: 580px;  border:1px solid #C1C2C=
4; margin: 0 auto; background: #fff; text-align: center; border-collapse: c=
ollapse;" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0">
=09
		<tr>
			<td style=3D"width: 100%; height: 27px; background-color: #5376b6; font-=
size: 7.5pt; font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif; color: white; vertical-align=
: middle; text-align: center;">
				This report is for the exclusive use of INSO partners and must not be s=
hared outside your organisation			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style=3D"text-align: left;">
				<table style=3D"width: 100%;" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0">
				=09
						<tr>
							<td style=3D"width: 38%;">
								<img src=3D"https://partners.ngosafety.org/assets/img/report.png"/>
							</td>
							<td style=3D"width: 62%">
								<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>
								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
				=09
				</table>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style=3D"text-align: justify;">
				<table style=3D"width: 100%; border-top: 1px solid #C1C2C4;" cellpaddin=
g=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0">
				=09
												<tr>
							<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;">LOCATION=
</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, Kabul-Mazar-e Sharif Main Road								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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;">INCIDENT=
 TYPE</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;">
								Ground Route Assessment								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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;">DATE & T=
IME</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;">
								06/09/2021 10:00								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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;">INFORMAT=
ION</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;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">This report will assess the saf=
ety risk to NGO staff travelling on the road between Kabul and Mazar-e Shar=
if and outline recommended mitigation measures to reduce the risk. The asse=
ssment is based on information gathered since the IEA took control of the e=
ntirety of the road and the recent experience of movement along the route w=
ith national and international NGO staff.&nbsp;<br /><br />The Kabul-Mazar-=
e Sharif route is part of the Afghanistan Ring Road and passes through thre=
e regions of the country: Central (Parwan and Kabul provinces), Northeaster=
n (Baghlan Province), and Northern (Samangan and Balkh provinces).&nbsp;</d=
iv>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><br />From Mazar-e Sharif, the route go=
es east through Nahr-e Shahi and Khulm districts of Balkh Province, before =
heading southeast through Hazrat-e Sultan (Karti Sul DAC), Aybak (Aybak DAC=
) and Khuram Wa Sarbagh (Sarbagh DAC) districts of Samangan Province, to Pu=
l-e Khumri (Pul-e Khumri DAC), Doshi (Doshi DAC) and Khenjan (Khenjan DAC) =
of Baghlan Province to Salang (Salang DAC and Salang Pass), Jabul Saraj (Ja=
bul Saraj DAC) and Charikar (Chrikar DAC) districts of Parwan Province befo=
re going through Qarabagh (Qarabagh DAC),&nbsp; Kalkan (Kalkan DAC), Mirbac=
hakot (Mirbachakot DAC) and Chakadara districts before finally entering Kab=
ul City through the northern City Gate.&nbsp;<br /><br />IEA predominantly =
exercises control over the road by maintaining several permanent checkpoint=
s, mainly concentrated around former district centres and towns on the rout=
e. Regular IEA patrols and mobile checkpoints further contribute to maintai=
ning control and ensuring security along the road. Finally, the City Gate t=
o Kabul City is operational and manned by IEA members, controlling access t=
o the capital; however, without using the scanner capabilities of the forme=
r government forces.&nbsp;<br /><br />Checkpoints along the route are most =
often operated by a handful of IEA members, predominantly stopping every or=
 every other vehicle, briefly confirming the start and end destination of t=
he travellers, and visually inspecting the cabin of the vehicle without ent=
ering. More thorough checks of passenger identity (ID check) and vehicle se=
arches seem to be conducted on suspicion and/or ad-hoc "spot check" basis.&=
nbsp;<br /><br />IEA members along the route are armed and predominantly in=
 plain local clothes, while some are partly uniformed.&nbsp;<br /><br />Sho=
ps, restaurants etc., along the road are open for the entirety of the route=
 allowing travellers to acquire provisions as they go.<br /><br />Travellin=
g time, in this season, varies between approximately 10-14 hours, depending=
 on traffic, weather conditions and stops.&nbsp;</div>								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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;">ANALYSIS=
</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;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">The entirety of the Kabul-Mazar=
-e Sharif Road has been under IEA control since the IEA took control of Kab=
ul City on 15 August, following an offensive that saw the group rapidly asc=
end into power, taking control of the majority of the country in approximat=
ely three months.<br /><br />Conflict activity along the route has ceased f=
ollowing the IEA takeover of the road and the vast majority of the country,=
 significantly reducing the collateral risk for civilians and NGOs. A total=
 of 193 security-related incidents (criminal and conflict-related) were reg=
istered on the road in 2021, mostly concentrated around the Mazar-e Sharif-=
Aybak section (72 incidents) and the Aybak-Pul-e Khumri section (64 inciden=
ts), followed by the Pul-e Khumri-Charikar section (42 incidents). However,=
 not a single incident was registered on the road since 15 August.&nbsp;&nb=
sp;<br /><br />The absence of incidents along the road is the direct result=
 of the conflict coming to the end following the collapse of ANSF and GOA. =
Of the total incidents registered in 2021, 72 were direct attacks by the ar=
med opposition almost exclusively targeting ANSF outposts, convoys and vehi=
cles. Furthermore, another 16 were IEDs, predominantly directed towards the=
 same target. Furthermore, 58 incidents were authored by ANSF, in 33 instan=
ces targeting the armed opposition of the time.&nbsp;<br /><br />While crim=
inal activity was most likely underreported before the IEA takeover and con=
tinues to be so, this has most likely also decreased significantly, for the=
 time being. Eight criminal incidents and 18 incidents authored by ANSF tar=
geting criminals were registered in 2021, and none after 15 August. Crimina=
l incidents included robberies and hijackings among others. Furthermore, an=
ecdotal reporting, obtained from local sources frequently using the road, s=
uggest that the IEA have caused fear among criminal elements, driving crime=
 rates down. Crime could, however, resume depending on future developments.=
<br /><br />The concentration of checkpoints in and around towns most likel=
y results in IEA members following procedures from the central leadership t=
o a higher degree than might be expected from more autonomous groups operat=
ing in more rural areas. With central leadership currently applying a polic=
y of allowing NGOs to operate, this reduces the risk for NGO staff. While t=
he individual IEA members attitude towards international staff and organisa=
tions might vary, a command and control structure seems to be in place in t=
owns, with IEA members manning checkpoints referring to a local commander i=
n the town, who is in contact with district and/or provincial leadership, f=
ollowing a chain of command.<br /><br />The attitude of patrols towards for=
eign nationals and organisations is unknown. However, as patrols seem to op=
erate more autonomously they could be less prone to follow the chain of com=
mand and ultimately the central leadership policy. As such, interactions wi=
th such patrols should be avoided to the degree possible. Interactions with=
 patrols are easily avoided by maintaining a low profile and refraining fro=
m actions that may draw the attention of the general public or IEA patrols.=
<br /><br />The quality of the road varies throughout the route. Overall, t=
he road is mostly paved with tarmac of varying levels of wear and tear. The=
 route is heavily used by cargo trucks which, in combination with the weath=
er conditions, have affected the tarmac; however, not to a degree where a s=
tandard-height sedan-type vehicle can not pass with relative ease. The Sala=
ng District road section, including the Salang Pass, is unpaved. While this=
 section of the road still allows for passage in a standard-height sedan-ty=
pe vehicle, dust, potholes, and other wear and tear should and will cause l=
ower speeds.&nbsp; Furthermore, the road section leading through Charikar C=
ity is currently under construction, and bypassing the city centre on the n=
earest eastern road allows for better road conditions.&nbsp;<br /><br />Tra=
ffic along the route has increased since the IEA takeover of the country du=
e to a perception of increased security along the road and a current lack o=
f domestic flights between Kabul and Mazar-e Sharif.&nbsp;</div>								</d=
iv>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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;">ADVICE</=
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;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">The risks associated with trave=
l along the Kabul-Mazar-e Sharif Road are currently assessed to be within a=
n acceptable level if relevant mitigation measures are applied.<br /><br />=
The following mitigation measures are recommended for NGOs conducting movem=
ent along the route:<br /><br /><strong>1) Permission:</strong> Seek permis=
sion from relevant IEA authorities before conducting movements on the road.=
 Permission should be issued in the form of a letter and/or a voice message=
, preferably both. The permission should include the name, position and con=
tact details of the issuer. Furthermore, it should include the names of the=
 travellers and passport numbers of the travelling foreign nationals, the n=
ame of the organisation, a brief description outlining the organisation as =
a humanitarian entity, and an instruction to contact the issuer in case of =
any issues. The letter should be stamped and signed and preferably be done =
on an IEA letterhead template. Copies of the letter should be made before t=
ravelling and available if the original is lost or confiscated at a checkpo=
int.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>2) Driver:</strong> A driver with recent and =
relevant knowledge of the route and road conditions should be dispatched fo=
r travel. If international staff is travelling, the driver should be inform=
ed beforehand to ensure he is comfortable with this.&nbsp;<br /><br /><stro=
ng>3) Vehicle:</strong> NGOs should ensure that travel is conducted in a lo=
w-profile vehicle, in good working condition. The vehicle's condition shoul=
d be checked accordingly before travel. NGOs should consider the benefit of=
 using two vehicles, allowing for a cross-load of personnel if one vehicle =
breaks down. The use of marked vehicles is not recommended unless the organ=
isation enjoys high acceptance and assesses that this reduces the risk.&nbs=
p;<br /><br /><strong>4) Updates:</strong> NGOs should seek updated informa=
tion through INSO or trusted local sources 24 hours before travel and again=
 just before initiating the trip to ensure the situation have not changed.<=
br /><br /><strong>5) Attire:</strong> NGO staff should wear suitable local=
 clothing, according to gender. For men, local attire is recommended. Femal=
e staff are advised to wear loose-fitting long cloth, covering from the nec=
k to the feet, and a headscarf, ensuring that the hair is fully covered at =
all times. Furthermore, it is recommended that a burka be available for eac=
h female staff in the vehicle if local staff travelling with the delegation=
 finds it preferable during the travel or if instructed by IEA members in c=
heckpoints.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>6) Travelling staff:</strong> Within t=
he vehicle, a local staff member with good knowledge of local customs and b=
oth Dari/Pashtu and English skills should be seated in the front seat, next=
 to the driver, as this is often the point of contact when approached in ch=
eckpoints. Checkpoints should always be approached in a de-escalating manne=
r, slowing down before approaching, rolling down the window and greeting po=
litely. International staff should be seated in the back seat. Female staff=
 are advised to avoid eye contact with IEA members in checkpoints, as are m=
ale staff seated in the back seat unless approached. Instructions given by =
IEA members in checkpoints should be followed at all times, within reason. =
The travel permission should only be shown on request or in case of any cha=
llenges passing the checkpoint. Aside from the permission letter and/or voi=
ce message, passports should be readily available to show on request.&nbsp;=
<br /><br /><strong>7) Driving safety:</strong> The speed should be kept at=
 a comfortable level and adjusted according to the road conditions. Seatbel=
ts should be worn at all times.&nbsp;<br /><br />INSO is available for furt=
her advice regarding the route upon request.&nbsp;</div>								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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;">
								<div style=3D"text-align: justify;">SA Mobile, Martin Hansen<br /><=
br /></div>
<div style=3D"text-align: justify;"><a href=3D"mailto:sa.mobile2@afg.ngosaf=
ety.org">sa.mobile2@afg.ngosafety.org</a></div>								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
												<tr>
							<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/COUNTRY/CENTRAL/06092021/#001								</div>
							</td>
						</tr>
										=09
				</table>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<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>
<!-=
-</a>-->
							</td>
		</tr>
=09
</table></center><img src=3D"http://url2410.afg.ngosafety.org/wf/open?upn=
=3D1xPMNaAb5hQbWbtJAaodVRjep-2F2ikqxeVesJGNK9fSUYgtnju7hQZLEFQU6NfdHpGVVnUO=
0Q9hPicHZeiwb-2FreVx1pt5m0rBKlW4nd-2FwD2aW0FlibP7JKI4JUBg5lZHpmBp3k1mScFnmk=
j7eiKI1fTP94x2po4FE3fAKtBqFuv9HkX8XAo30e-2F0Id8f9H49uB69zZUxYMn5PjAQqb0w2D8=
gJEFhqFsgipWkcpEXuS1o-3D" alt=3D"" width=3D"1" height=3D"1" border=3D"0" st=
yle=3D"height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important=
;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !importa=
nt;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !impo=
rtant;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;"/></body></html=
>