Cablegate: Prt Herat: Ana/Anp Nab Renegade Jamiat Commander

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS KABUL 005169

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR SA/FO, SA/A, S/CT, EUR/RPM
NSC FOR AHARRIMAN, KAMEND
CENTCOM FOR POLAD, CG CFA-A, CG CJTF-76

E.O. 12958 N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV AF
SUBJECT: PRT HERAT: ANA/ANP NAB RENEGADE JAMIAT COMMANDER
IN EASTERN HERAT PROVINCE

1. (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please
do not release to ISAF.

2. (SBU) In a combined operation on December 13, ANP and
ANA elements succeeded in apprehending renegade Jamiat
Commander Mullah Mustafa, who had been responsible for
extensive illegal roadblocks, banditry and mayhem in
Chishti Sharif District (eastern Herat Province). Mullah
Mustafa is now being held in custody in Herat city.
Approximately 150 ANA soldiers from the 207th Corps (Camp
Victory) provided perimeter support for the ANP who made
the arrest.

3. (SBU) According to an NDS official, Governor Anwari
approved the action and followed the operation closely.
Before launching the operation, the Governor had requested
PRT assistance, if possible. Although the QRF (Quick
Reaction Force) was reportedly put on alert, no ISAF
elements or assets appear to have taken part in the
apprehension. In a December 17 security meeting hosted by
UNAMA, participating PRT and FSB/Herat officers did not
react or comment on the operation.

4. (SBU) Local officials noted that, although Mullah
Mustafa is now in their hands, many of his supporters
remain at large in Chishti Sharif and elsewhere. They fear
there could be vengeance killings and other acts of
violence before the area is pacified.

5. (SBU) Comment: The apprehension of Mullah Mustafa, a
long-time Ismael Khan (IK) supporter, is evidence of
Governor Anwaris willingness to take on the provinces
most prominent warlord - IK - at least on the periphery, in
order to pacify Herat. However, as the Governor has stated
repeatedly, taking on IK himself is another matter
entirely, and one that must emanate from Kabul, not Herat.
While the ability of ANA and ANP to conduct a joint
operation such as this one is a positive development, the
absence of any ISAF component, despite being asked, is
indicative of their weak force projection throughout Herat,
which is increasingly being noted by the local population.
End comment.

NEUMANN
N

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