Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KABUL47
2009-01-10 11:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kabul
Cable title:  

ANNUAL OSAC CRIME & SAFETY REPORT - AFGHANISTAN

Tags:  ASEC KSAC KCRM CASC AF 
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P 101118Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6645
UNCLAS KABUL 000047 


DEPT FOR DSS/OSAC and DS/IP/SCA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KSAC KCRM CASC AF
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OSAC CRIME & SAFETY REPORT - AFGHANISTAN

REF: A) 08 STATE 133533
B) 08 STATE 132056

UNCLAS KABUL 000047


DEPT FOR DSS/OSAC and DS/IP/SCA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KSAC KCRM CASC AF
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OSAC CRIME & SAFETY REPORT - AFGHANISTAN

REF: A) 08 STATE 133533
B) 08 STATE 132056


1. Post, in accordance with REF B, submits its annual Overseas
Security Advisory Council (OSAC) crime and safety report for 2008.
Responses are keyed to REF B.


2. 2008 OSAC Crime & Safety Report:


I. OVERALL CRIME/SAFETY SITUATION -
Criminal and terrorist activity in Kabul, the capital of
Afghanistan, remains high and critical, respectively, as rated by
the most recent SETL (REF A). The overall crime and safety
situation is both volatile and unstable throughout much of
Afghanistan. A lack of basic infrastructure, government services
and emergency health facilities makes it an exceptionally hazardous
country in which to reside or visit.

It is often difficult to differentiate between politically motivated
criminal behavior, terrorism and/or traditional illegal activity.
While narcotics trafficking accounts for a large portion of
Afghanistan's crime problems, the country is challenged by a myriad
of criminal and terrorists threats, many of which target foreigners.
These threats are no longer solely aimed at Coalition Forces (CF).
All westerners and Afghans associated with westerners are targets,
to include NGOs, local medical staff, aid and rehabilitation workers
and many others. Visitors and residents of Afghanistan must be on
guard against assault, kidnapping and all forms of theft, from
simple pick pocketing to extortion.

Americans are strongly urged to refrain from any travel to
Afghanistan as their safety and security cannot be guaranteed.
Travelers should be advised that the U.S. Embassy's ability to
provide emergency consular services to citizens in Afghanistan is
limited, especially for those residing outside of the capital.
Americans who come to Afghanistan should register with the Consular
Section at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, preferably online at
travel.state.gov, or in person. The Consular Section can be reached
at:

U.S. Embassy Consular Section
Great Massoud Road Kabul, Afghanistan
USConsulKabul@state.gov
Emergency Telephone: 0700-201-908


Local Law Enforcement
--------------
Police and emergency services in Afghanistan vary from marginally
competent, in the areas where regular and direct foreign assistance
is ongoing, to ineffective or downright corrupt. Many Afghan
citizens in need of assistance from local law enforcement do not

trust the ability of the Afghan National Police (ANP) to assist them
unless they have the money to bribe the official for assistance.
Foreigners visiting Afghanistan are urged to ensure they maintain
current contact information with their respective embassy for use in
emergency situations. Foreigners should also carry a copy of their
passport with them at all times.

In recent months, Afghan government officials have been confiscating
equipment from western private security companies (PSC). The
equipment that has been confiscated has included armored vehicles,
body armor, weapons, radios, GPS systems and personal items. All
persons conducting business in Afghanistan under the protection of a
PSC, to include the PSC, are warned that they may be stopped and
have their protective and personal items confiscated, potentially
putting the protectee at greater risk.


II. POLITICAL VIOLENCE -
Afghanistan remains a critical threat post for political violence.
Such violence ranges from spontaneous mob attacks to calculated
kidnappings and executions. The principle method of attack during
recent months has been Improvised Explosive Devices (IED),with the
second most common form of attack being small arms fire.

Anti-government elements frequently attack foreigners. While
attacks in recent years had largely been confined to the south and
along the Pakistani border, 2008 saw an increase in areas not
traditionally targeted by insurgent groups, to include the west and
the vicinity of Kabul. Nationwide, the number of IED's in 2008
(approximately 2000) was roughly double the number from 2007, while
kidnappings (many of businessmen for ransom) also doubled to roughly
300 in 2008. Rocket attacks (aka indirect fire or "IDF") also
impacted near the U.S. Embassy in mid-August 2008 and again in
September 2008, while in late November 2008 a suicide vehicle-borne
improvised explosive device (SVBIED) detonated within roughly 200
meters of the U.S. Embassy.

Historical Perspective
--------------
Violence has traditionally been used as an instrument of politics in
Afghanistan. Assassinations, the targeting of civilians and general
insurgent attacks grab headlines more than advances in Afghan
security forces or the proactive introduction of western methods of
political and economic strategy.

Traditionally, Afghanistan has had weak central government, and the
current government under President Hamid Karzai has limited reach in
some regions outside Kabul. Violence continues to occur largely in
about 10 percent of the 363 districts, with the tactics of the
anti-government elements shifting from insurgency to terrorism.
Ordinary Afghans feel less safe as a result of this switch and as a
result of rising criminality, especially kidnappings. Some turn to
tribes, the local strong man or anti-government elements for
security and stability in the absence of the government.

Transnational Terrorism
--------------
A history of disorder, warfare, tribalism, and a weak central
government has made Afghanistan fertile territory for international
terrorism. During the rule of the Taliban, Afghanistan was utilized
as a safe haven for several organizations which benefited from the
regime's tolerance of international terrorism. The collapse of the
Taliban's governance of Afghanistan led to the overt disappearance
of these groups, but reconstituted elements are still active
throughout the country. An environment of a weak central
government, corruption, poverty, social exhaustion and illicit power
centers allows these groups to operate in Afghanistan, despite U.S.
and International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) efforts to
eliminate them. Some or most of these groups have turned their
focus inward, seeking to expel western and other foreign elements
from Afghanistan, while still promoting terror in other countries.
The most prominent of these groups are the Taliban, Al-Qaida and the
Haqqani network, which works in conjunction with the Taliban.

Civil Unrest
--------------
Visitors to Afghanistan must remain alert for the possibility of
civil unrest. While the Government of the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan (GIRoA) has formalized and implemented a system for
legal and orderly protests, spontaneous and potentially dangerous
demonstrations do occur.

Recent months have seen incidents where large, sometimes violent
crowds have formed in the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents
involving coalition force (CF) convoys. Some of these accidents
have resulted in deaths, spawning the rapid formation of large,
unpredictable crowds. Often, westerners receive the brunt of
violence when they arrive at a public venue to assist in an
emergency situation.

Travelers should note that disputes between government
representatives and regional leaders may lead to localized protests
over land, funding and other such issues. While these arguments do
not always descend into violent conflict, such an outcome is
possible.

As a general rule, foreigners in Afghanistan should make every
effort to avoid large groups of any kind, particularly political or
other protests.


III. POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS

The Drug Trade
--------------
The growth of opium and the associated smuggling industry constitute
a major threat to the rule of law in Afghanistan. The illegal
narcotics trade undermines the integrity of Afghan law enforcement
and funds terrorist activity. An informal but complex system,
intertwined with local political motivations, governs which group or
individuals profit from poppy cultivation in each region. Travelers
should be aware that this chaotic environment fuels conflict between
drug traffickers, often resulting in large-scale fighting between
opposing groups. Additionally, protective and anxious opium growers
may guard their territory by employing violent, sometimes murderous,
militia members.

Kidnapping
--------------
Like many developing countries, Afghanistan struggles with
kidnapping-for-ransom schemes. Virtually every foreigner in
Afghanistan is wealthy - relative to local standards - and is
therefore a potential kidnapping victim. The motivation for these
attacks is primarily financial, but visitors should be aware of the
potential that apolitical kidnappers might sell their captives to
political groups, with whom there is a definite threat of execution
for political purposes. 2008 saw the kidnapping of four (4)
American citizens in Afghanistan.

Crimes Involving Vehicles
--------------
Foreigners in vehicles are at risk for carjacking. While uncommon
relative to other forms of violent crime, carjacking remains a
possibility.

Theft
--------------
Theft is rampant in Afghanistan. Foreigners are vulnerable to
standard pick pocketing schemes and armed robberies alike. Home
invasions and attacks involving multiple assailants have also
occurred. The lawlessness which pervades Afghan society can quickly
escalate even the most minor of crimes to a potentially
life-threatening situation.

Safety
--------------
Road conditions in Afghanistan vary greatly from province to
province. Generally speaking, roads are of an inferior quality and
travelers should exercise great caution while driving. While some
roads in the capital and other large cities accommodate normal
sedans, outside of major cities a four-wheel drive vehicle is
essential.

Depending on the method used, traversing Afghan rivers can be
hazardous. Many bridges are dilapidated and of inferior
construction. Even the most pacific creek or river can be
deceptively dangerous. Commercial transportation services are as
varied as road conditions and should be carefully scrutinized before
being used.

Mines
--------------
Visitors must remain vigilant to the threat of unexploded ordinance
in Afghanistan. While many demining operations are currently
underway, several decades of almost continuous warfare makes travel
extremely hazardous. Colored flags or rocks are used to indicate
whether or not an area has been cleared of mines:

Red - indicates a field has been identified but not yet cleared.

White - indicates a field has been swept, although this is not an
assurance that the field has been entirely cleared. White flagged
fields are generally 90% cleared.

Avalanches
--------------
During colder months, mountain roads and passes can quickly become
impassable due to snow. Avalanches are common throughout these
areas and travelers need to be aware of the high risk of eroding
roads along precipitous thoroughfares. The Salang Pass between
Jabal-Sarag and Mazar-e Sharif is one of the most commonly snowed-in
passes.

Earthquakes
--------------
Afghanistan is in a high-risk earthquake area, with significant
quakes and tremors common. The most significant earthquake in
Afghanistan was a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on March 3, 2003;
earthquakes and aftershocks with magnitudes of 6.0 are not uncommon.
The rudimentary construction techniques common throughout
Afghanistan also contribute to the possibility of severe injury or
death due to earthquakes.

Ongoing Combat Operations
--------------
As the GIRoA seeks to strengthen its rule, it openly battles
anti-government forces throughout the country. This struggle
frequently includes the participation of coalition forces. Combat
operations can occur at any time in any region of the country,
employing air support, artillery fire, and small or large unit
operations. GIRoA and coalition partners make great efforts to act
with precision during these campaigns and to avoid civilian
casualties, nonetheless, any combat engagement with insurgent forces
poses a significant danger to those in the vicinity.

Local Crime Anomalies
--------------
The degree of sophistication displayed by Afghan criminal elements
is evolving. While the country still suffers from the most basic
criminal acts such as pick-pocketing and home invasion, in recent
years a variety of scams and organized schemes have been noted.
Burglary of private residences has become increasingly common in
Kabul.

Travelers should be aware that while exchanging money or engaging in
large financial transactions, there is the potential of surveillance
for possible targeting at a later time.

Areas to Avoid
--------------
The U.S. Embassy underscores its recommendation that private
Americans avoid travel to Afghanistan. Afghanistan is unsafe
vis-`-vis American standards, with insurgent, criminal, and
terrorist activities occurring throughout the country.

Cultural Sensitivity

--------------
Afghanistan is an Islamic country; the majority of the nation's
population, its legal system and its customs are Muslim. Americans
visiting Afghanistan should be aware and respectful of this.

Travelers should ask their host before taking photographs,
particularly of women. Travelers should also be mindful of local
attire and dress modestly in public.

IV. POLICE RESPONSE -
Most police are underpaid, as they have been for a long time.
"Shakedowns" remain common, as those with money receive a more
positive response from local law enforcement. As previously
mentioned, corruption is rampant in Afghanistan and law enforcement
assistance is often provided to those who have social status.
Whenever possible, foreigners are advised to go to their local
embassy for police assistance.


V. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES -
Medical services in Afghanistan are extraordinarily challenged,
often lacking basic diagnostic and treatment equipment, as well as
the most common medications.

Foreigners are urged to seek emergency medical care on a U.S.
military base. In order to facilitate military medical attention
foreigners should contact their respective embassy.

The major regional hospitals in Afghanistan are:

ISAF Clinic
Contact: Duty Doctor 079-774-6653

Camp Warehouse Hospital
Contact: 079-514-122 (Rescue Control)
079-826-2544 (Rescue Control)
070-288-598 (Doctor's #)

Bagram Airfield Hospital
Contact: 070-113-2000


Camp Phoenix Hospital
Contact: 070-044-502
070-484-654
079-817-4571
079-321-576

Camp Eggers Clinic
Contact:070-837-4583

Camp Souter
Contact: 0799-859-895

US Embassy Medical Officers
Contact: Jack Sibal 0797-771-168
Herve Poulard 0797-165-092

VI. HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM -
Westerners are strongly urged to avoid travel to Afghanistan. For
those who travel to this region, ensure that your housing
accommodations are heavily fortified with barriers and armed guards.
Register with your respective embassy and, if possible, maintain an
extremely low profile. Westerners are advised to travel in armored
vehicles with personal body armor and a protective security team.
Also, avoid public markets and bazaars as they are often a target
for westerners.


VII. EMBASSY CONTACT INFORMATION -

U.S. Embassy
Great Massoud Road Kabul, Afghanistan
Regional Security Officer: 0799-245-456
Embassy Operator: 0700-108-001
Medical Unit: 070-073-655
Consular Affairs: 0700-201-908
Marine Guard Post One: 070-301-490-1042 x8250

VIII. OSAC PRESENCE IN KABUL -
The OSAC community remains highly active in Afghanistan, totaling
approximately 65 constituents from various PSCs, non-government
organizations (NGO) and other entities and exchanging information on
a daily basis. Kabul OSAC has monthly meetings that provide broader
security information of a critical nature to the entire OSAC
community. If a company is operating within Afghanistan and is
headquartered in the U.S., they may become a member by visiting the
OSAC website at www.osac.gov.


WOOD