PRT/BAMYAN: ANA OPENS INTELLIGENCE BRANCH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KABUL 000375 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/FO, SCA/A, S/CR, S/CT, SCA/PAB, EUR/RPM STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE NSC FOR AHARRIMAN OSD FOR KIMMITT CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76, AND POLAD RELEASABLE TO NATO/ISAF/AUS/NZ E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR MOPS AF SUBJECT: PRT/BAMYAN: ANA OPENS INTELLIGENCE BRANCH Classified By: CLASSIFIED BY A/POL COUNSELOR MARTIN D. MURPHY FOR REASO NS 1.4 (b) & (d) -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) The Afghanistan National Army (ANA),which previously consisted of three recruiters in Bamyan, was augmented in December to include an intelligence component of approximately 20 soldiers. Their stated mandate is to recover arms caches and investigate smuggling. They have reached out to the PRT to introduce themselves, although they had not done the same with key provincial officials prior to meeting the PRT. Based on the dubious reputation within the province of the component's Colonel, the PRT plans to engage with caution. END SUMMARY. -------------- Afghan Army Intelligence: New Bamyan Office -------------- ¶2. (C) ANA Colonel Yaawari visited the New Zealand (NZ) PRT in December to announce that he was the newly appointed ANA Chief of Intelligence for Bamyan Province. He said his role was to recover caches and investigate smuggling in the province. (Note: The new unit's office is less than a mile from the PRT and approximately two or three miles from the current ANA recruiter's office, adjacent to the police station. End Note.) ¶3. (C) Colonel Yaawari advised the PRT that he reports to the General Intelligence Department of the Ministry of Defense. When asked about sharing information with other GOA agencies, he responded that he would provide information to the National Defense Service (NDS) if they helped him, otherwise he would use ANA channels. He added that if he received any reports on smuggling, he would forward these to the Afghan National Police (ANP). Yaawari said he has 20 soldiers working for him, whom he plans to send to patrol out in the districts for up to 30 days at a time. Depending on their mission, they will be dressed either in uniform or civilian attire. He added that, regardless of their dress, they will carry weapons. -------------- Intelligence Gathering Capacity Unknown -------------- ¶4. (C) As a possible sign of goodwill, Colonel Yaawari advised the New Zealand Intelligence cell that approximately one to two months ago an unidentified Maulawi from Pakistan visited two villages Do Abe and Sange Safed (possibly Daste Safed) in the Kahmard District. The Maulawi preached in the local mosques and discouraged the congregation from using modern appliances such as radio and TV and encouraged them to reject western values and influences. Colonel Yaawari emphasized his desire for close cooperation with the NZPRT and invited the PRT officers to visit his office. (Note: While this information is of minimal value, it is useful as an indication of the ANA,s level of intelligence gathering and focus. End Note.) -------------- Governor Does Not Recognize New Intel Chief -------------- ¶5. (C) According to PRT contacts, Colonel Yaawari is known to the Governor, NDS and ANP, none of whom hold him in high regard due to his alleged past involvement in smuggling. He is originally from the Yakawlang District in Bamyan and is the former Intelligence Chief for the 34th Division. Based on his previous work it is possible that he has built strong ties to Second Vice President Khalili, whose dislike of Governor Sarabi is well known. Colonel Yaawari has yet to present his credentials (Letter of Introduction) to the Governor, which is a departure from normal protocol. Accordingly, the Governor does not recognize his right to operate in Bamyan Province, but has stopped short of asking him and his troops to leave. KABUL 00000375 002 OF 002 -------------- Comment -------------- ¶6. (C) The presence of ANA Intelligence in Bamyan Province, while potentially useful as a source, is equally problematic because NZPRT patrols may encounter them in civilian attire with concealed weapons without knowing who they are. Yaawari's reputation and recent unwillingness to present his credentials means the PRT plans to engage cautiously with Yaawari. END COMMENT. NEUMANN