PRT HERAT: ANA/ANP NAB RENEGADE JAMIAT COMMANDER

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