PRT GHAZNI - TALIBAN NIGHT LETTERS DISTRIBUTED IN GHAZNI

UNCLAS KABUL 005393 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SA/FO, SA/A, S/CR, EUR/RPM NSC FOR HARRIMAN, OSD FOR KIMMIT CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76 SENSITIVE, SIPDIS REL TO NATO/ISAF/AUS/NZ E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PHUM AF SUBJECT: PRT GHAZNI - TALIBAN NIGHT LETTERS DISTRIBUTED IN GHAZNI ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: As seen in other provinces around Afghanistan, "night letters" issuing death threats to Afghan National Army (ANA) members, Afghan National Police (ANP),and Afghan women employed by U.S. PRT's and "any other foreigners", have surfaced around Ghazni City. Translations of two such letters issued on or about September 9 are included in paras 5 and 6 . END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) Two "night letters" were reportedly distributed in Ghazni City by a motorcycle rider on or about the evening of September 9. Printed by computer in good Dari grammar, the letters are typical of the night letters distributed by Taliban agents or sympathizers in Ghazni province. ¶3. (U) The letters and other forms of intimidation appear to have had some intended effect. In a recent meeting, a number of Ghazni district Chiefs of Police cited threats against officers and their families as a major reason for the shortage of police recruits and a low retention rate. The (female) Director of Education in Ghazni has been threatened a number of times in the past few months. (Note: This Director of Education is a member of the Hazara ethnic group, and it is unclear whether threats against her are because she is a woman, a Hazara, the Director of Education, or any combination of the above. End note.) ¶4. (SBU) These recent night letters were passed to the PRT by the former Governor, Sher Alam. In handing them over, Alam berated the recently removed Provincial Chief of Police, General Tafseer, whom he did not regard highly. Governor Alam noted that while a number of citizens reported seeing the letters being distributed, the police had not witnessed this action. The Governor criticized the police for not performing patrols at night. ¶5. (U) Text of first night letter (direct translation of text by PRT): Warning to the Servants of ANA and ANP from Brave Mujadeen: To the servants and traitors who sell their soul to work and help American and other foreigners and are very happy to be their servants. To all of the people who stand next to our enemy against their country and nation and sell their faith and their country, this you last warning. If you do not stay away from our enemy and do not stop being servants for American or our enemy, Mujadeen for Freedom will, with sword of fairness of Islam, cut their head from their body. Soldiers of ANA and ANP you should and must know very well you cannot serve if front of the sword of right and freedom. If you do not quit this shameless job you will be sent to hell. End text. ¶6. Text of second night letter: Warning to the Woman Working with Americans or Any Other Foreigner: To the women without conscience to sell their soul because of money, happiness and have fun with American men and working and helping them. If they do not stop selling themselves and stop working with them in the very near future they will see what will happen to them. For their punishment expect death and nothing else. This is the last warning. If they do not stop working on the bases and offices we do not see any solution, except death. End text.