Insurgents target Afghan government officials

Photo By Pfc. Andrya Hill | Capt. Dave Alexander, a general surgeon with the 67th Forward Surgical Team working at Forward Operating Base Sharana in the Paktika province of eastern Afghanistan, takes an initial assessment of the Sar Hawza sub-governor, Mohammad Baz, after he was in an improvised explosive device attack, June 7.  

KHOST, AFGHANISTAN

07.09.2009

Story by Pfc. Andrya Hill 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan — Throughout the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, U.S. Forces have expected attacks from insurgents. In recent months however, a new battle has surfaced, presenting unique challenges. The anti-Afghan forces have shifted their focus to innocent civilians, especially government officials, creating a more focused need for increased protective measures for the brave Afghans that serve their country.

AAF use direct targeting to intimidate, threaten and kill government officials and Afghan security forces. As a result, the rate of wounded government workers has risen 82 percent in the past year in eastern Afghanistan.

"The enemy place improvised explosive devices along the road, but there is another sort of magnetic IED that they use, that is usually attached to a specific vehicle," said Khost Gov. Hamidullah Qalandarzai. "They also use suicide bombs and vehicle-borne IEDs. It is a threat to both government officials and civilians."

The Khost Mayor, Sakhi Mirullah Amiri, was killed in April by a magnetic IED. In May, two suicide bombers attacked the governor's compound in Khost, killing six and wounding 21. A few days later, the sub-governor of Omna, Haji Nadir Khani, was brutally murdered, along with four of his sons. Weeks after, the Sar Howza sub-governor was attacked with an IED but survived. These examples continue to increase in number and frequency, and the threats have become constant.

"I have received calls and they tell me that I am their target," said Qalandarzai. "They tell me that I am spying for coalition forces.

"I have not only been threatened, but my office has been attacked by a number of suicide bombers," he continued. "I, along with my guards, receive threats and defend the governor's palace every day."

The threats have escalated to a point that many officials are relocating their families to safer areas of Afghanistan.

"I moved my family from here to another area in Kabul," said Qalandarzai. "Being a governor here poses security problems to my family, and the sub-governors and their families. So, I moved mine to another place and strengthened their security guards."

The AAF use these vile attacks as a propaganda message to try to convey to the local populace that they are more powerful than the government and that their elected officials cannot protect them.

"The enemy accomplishes goals when he eliminates a governor," said Col. Michael Howard, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Yukon. "The insurgent is trying to create the perception that the government cannot govern. By targeting the governor he can certainly give that perception in that way,"

"He also targets individuals not by their official position, but because of their activities," Howard added. "A very active governor who speaks out might get targeted more quickly than just any other governor."

The AAF's consistent display of inhumanity can be attributed to a deep disregard for basic rights, as well as a refusal to accept the growing governance.

"The enemy is fighting against the government," said Qalandarzai. "The enemy will not recognize the government and does not accept the constitution of Afghanistan.

"He does not obey human rights, he stated. "So, the enemy absolutely targets government officials who work for the mutual goals of Afghanistan and international community,"
Despite the aggressions of the AAF, the government is making progress, through their actions and dedication, as well as through the constant blunders of the AAF.

"There are different types of people," said Nazifullah Karimi, a resident of Khost City. "Those who have sympathy with the Taliban and those who have sympathy with the government."

"When most people see an attack on a government official," Karimi said. "It brings fear to them, and hatred toward the insurgents."

"They are not showing the people their power, the people know that the government is stronger and will stay. They are simply bringing hate to themselves," he concluded.

The government is working diligently to combat the attacks of the enemy, to prove to their local communities that they will provide security and services to them, whatever the cost.

"We have our own measures to provide a safe environment that include synchronization among all military personnel, as well as coalition forces," said Qalandarzai. "We are training and equipping of our security forces very well. We are finally closing the gap between government and its populace. We have been holding Shuras with local people to get their consultations, as well as to give out our messages. We should be able to inform the people of the facts and find out their needs."

While much progress is still to be made, many communities have firmly chosen their stance, and boldly support the government in spite of the threats of the AAF.

"In our village, most of the youths work now with the government and coalition forces," said Gharanai, a resident of the Mandozai District. "We will not let the AAF control our country. We are united, so whenever something happens, we always help the Afghanistan national security forces."

The government of Afghanistan will continue the fight to show the people their devotion to their country and communities, and will make Afghanistan a safe and secure home for future generations.

"We are against the enemy, and even though they kill us, we will keep fighting," said Qalandarzai. "We are committed to our job and serving the Afghan people."

• Date Taken: 07.09.2009
• Date Posted: 07.09.2009 14:22
• Story ID: 36170
• Location: KHOST, AF