Distressed staff and patients unable to understand why they were targeted in a US bombing raid (MSF)

How could a hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan that had sent its GPS coordinates to officials to avoid being targeted in an aerial attack be bombed not once but repeatedly allegedly by US forces? The shocking attack on civilians killed 19 people, staff and patients and included 3 children. Those who were immobile stood no chance of escaping the inferno and burnt to death in their beds. The incident followed conflict between the military and the Taliban after the latter took over the city in a surprise offensive as part of their Operation Azm (meaning Resolve). US sent in back-up in the form of Special Forces and began aerial attacks on insurgent positions.

According to a Medecins Sans Frontier/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) statement dated 3rd October 2015,

“MSF had provided the GPS coordinates of the trauma hospital to Coalition and Afghan military and civilian officials as recently as Tuesday 29 September, to avoid that the hospital be hit. As is routine practice for MSF in conflict areas, MSF had communicated the exact location of the hospital to all parties to the conflict.”

MSF also point out the following,

“from 2:08 AM until 3:15 AM local time today, MSF’s trauma hospital in Kunduz was hit by a series of aerial bombing raids at approximately 15 minute intervals. The main central hospital building, housing the intensive care unit, emergency rooms, and physiotherapy ward, was repeatedly hit very precisely during each aerial raid, while surrounding buildings were left mostly untouched.”

As Dr Janssens of MSF clearly points out, “in all conflicts where MSF works, we never take sides.” The hospital however appears to have previously been the target of “a violent intrusion by armed members of Afghan Special Forces” in July, disturbing enough to warrant the release of an official statement condemning the behaviour and drawing attention to “an unacceptable breach of International Humanitarian law”. It is unclear what response if any was received in reply or if any ill feeling may have been harboured towards staff?

A Recent human rights report from Human Rights Watch (March 2015) on Afghanistan highlighted warlords and militia as “notorious human rights abusers” and questioned the support they receive from US and Afghan governments. Media tends to play down such reports, focusing mainly on abuses linked to insurgents.

This incident makes it even more important to check whether the GPs information passed to Coalition and Afghan military and civilian officials reached the appropriate persons so that this information could be fully recorded and acted upon by those involved in bombing campaigns.

“One of the darkest days in our history”

What is also deeply disturbing is that according to Jason Cone, Executive Director for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières stated in a skype interview with PBS,

“at the outset of the attack we made contact with various contacts at the Joint Chairman’s office to reiterate that the attack was unfolding and that it was unfolding around our compound and inside and we conveyed that information in real time and saw nothing change.” 

Why then did the US continue to bomb the hospital when contacts were informed at both Washington and Kabul level?

Cone was also asked by PBS whether staff were aware if Taliban had entered the compound and were firing from there (which was alleged in some reports) and if staff had witnessed this? He replied,

“we were not under threat in any way. As I had said earlier we were in complete contact with all sides of the fighting, they accepted that this was a facility that was treating anyone that was wounded and what I can tell you is as far as our staff know, the gates of the hospital were closed all night so that no one that’s not staff a patient or a caretaker was inside the hospital when the bombing happened. It’s also important to keep in mind that according to military law an injured person in the hospital is considered a non-combatant whatever side they may have fought for before. In any case bombing a fully functional hospital can never be justified.”

Full video interview with Jason Cone can be seen here,

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/u-s-airstrike-hits-doctors-without-borders-hospital-afghanistan/

Abdulqahar Balkhi a Twitter account spokesperson affiliated with the Islamic Emirate (Afghan Taliban) tweeted that the actions of the US constituted a “war crime” in his opinion. He pointed out that the incident at Kunduz hospital had occurred, “despite not a single Mujahid being admitted/treated in the hospital due to the prevailing military condition”. Taliban had paid a short visit to a hospital soon after their arrival in the city, photos of which had been posted on social media but left soon afterwards without incident according to statements given to media. They had also released a statement calling for NGOs and other workers to carry on as normal (within the limits of a conflict zone) and issued a phone number for workers to ring should anyone have concerns. This appears to be in sharp contrast to the visit in July by Afghan Special Forces. The Taliban later issued a statement condemning the aerial attack (see “Links section”)

The MSF statement on the hospital intrusion can be read in full below,

Staff operating at Kunduz, (Image Michael Goldfarb)

Afghanistan: MSF condemns violent armed intrusion in hospital in Kunduz

(On 3rd July 2015 MSF issued the following statement)

Kabul – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemns the violent intrusion by armed members of Afghan Special Forces in the organisation’s trauma centre in Kunduz, Afghanistan. The incident is an unacceptable breach of International Humanitarian Law, which protects medical services from attacks.

On Wednesday 1 July at 14:07, heavily armed men from Afghan Special Forces entered the MSF hospital compound, cordoned off the facility and began shooting in the air. The armed men physically assaulted three MSF staff members and entered the hospital with weapons. They then proceeded to arrest three patients. Hospital staff tried their best to ensure continued medical care for the three patients, and in the process, one MSF staff member was threatened at gunpoint by two armed men. After approximately one hour, the armed men released the three patients and left the hospital compound.

“We are shocked by this incident,” says Dr Bart Janssens, MSF’s Director of Operations. “Since it opened in 2011, Kunduz Trauma Centre has been a place where all patients can receive free medical and surgical care safely. This serious event puts at risk the lives of thousands of people who rely on the centre for urgent care.”

MSF’s centre is the only facility of its kind in the whole north-eastern region of Afghanistan providing high level life- and limb-saving trauma care. In 2014, more than 22,000 patients received care at the hospital and more than 5900 surgeries were performed. MSF has been able to provide this care in such a volatile environment by ensuring its medical activities are recognised and respected by the community and all parties to the conflict.

MSF has a strict no weapons policy in all its facilities. The threats to MSF personnel and patients and the inability to provide medical care in a safe environment, forces us to temporarily suspend activities at Kunduz Trauma Centre. We have requested urgent meetings with the Ministers of Defence and Interior to seek official assurances that our medical work will be respected and such an incident will not occur again.

“In all conflicts where MSF works, we never take sides,” says Dr Janssens. “Our doctors treat all people according to their medical needs and do not make distinctions based on a patient’s race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or political affiliation. Any injured or wounded person in need of urgent medical care will receive it at MSF’s trauma centre in Kunduz.”

http://www.msf.org/article/afghanistan-msf-condemns-violent-armed-intrusion-hospital-kunduz

End

President Obama has apologized to President Ashraf Ghani for Kunduz attack, see statement below,

(Image via Vice News)

Apologies are issued by the US government for what they term “collateral damage” but these incidents of death by aerial bombardment and drone strike are repeated over and over again. As victims are finding it is almost impossible to obtain justice and offenders close ranks and its extremely difficult to access evidence and key information from any investigation. Inquiries are far from transparent.

Earlier incidents of US targeting civilians and US hostages from the air

Then soldier Ethan McCord came across children in Baghdad targeted by Apache helicopter (Blog Archives)

This is not the first time such concerns have been raised. I was Excutive Producer  for an Oscar nominated documentary “Incident in New Baghdad”  made famous when Wikileaks released footage of a US Apache helicopter firing on locals, journalists and children in Iraq. See link,

“Incident in New Baghdad: Open letter to US soldiers and critics of Ethan McCord”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/incident-in-new-baghdad-open-letter-to-us-soldiers-and-critics-of-ethan-mccord/

Bowe Bergdahl narrowly escaped a US drone strike whilst in Taliban captivity (Image, Blog Archives)

Then Bowe Bergdahl a US soldier captive of the Taliban in the border areas of Afghanistan Pakistan for several years, narrowly missed being hit in a US drone strike. Some of the insurgents holding him were killed. See below,

“Activists and Afghan Taliban slate Guantanamo and did US attempt to drone Bowe Bergdahl”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/2014-activists-and-afghan-taliban-slate-guantanamo-and-did-us-attempt-to-drone-bowe-bergdahl/

Drone victims Dr Warren Weinstein and Giovanni Lo Porto, hostages with al- Qa’ida, killed by US (Image, Sky)

We must not forget either that alongside many local victims which I have covered in numerous articles, the US managed to kill several western hostages by drone, Dr. Warren Weinstein, an American held by al-Qa’ida since 2011, and Giovanni Lo Porto, an Italian national who had been an al-Qa’ida hostage since 2012.

“Drones: Why we should question White House Statement on droning of western hostages”?

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/drones-why-we-should-question-white-house-statement-on-droning-of-white-hostages/

Dr Ehsan Usami killed in the hospital where he worked

Returning to the Kunduz attack, as the New York Times reported, one doctor seemed to sense something bad was coming, Dr. Ehsan Usmani wrote the following on his Facebook,

“A thousand curses on you Ashraf Ghani and Stanekzai that you bloodied and covered in dust the people of Kunduz with your blind bombings,” he wrote, referring to the Afghan president and Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, the minister of defense. The Afghan military has also been using helicopter airstrikes to target the Taliban, but sometimes misses and hits civilians.

“Spit, spit, spit, spit on your faces,” Dr. Usmani wrote and then, more desperately: “Hey people, share this message that since this afternoon the bombers of the dirty and unclean government have been killing, maiming and wounding the innocent people of Kunduz.”

As Cone stated in his PBS interview, MSF will not accept their friends and colleagues being written off as “collateral damage” and I support them fully on that. The US and allies must be held accountable for their actions against civilians. The Telegraph reported,

“the UN head of human rights has said the attack may amount to a war crime. ‘The seriousness of the incident is underlined by the fact that, if established as deliberate in a court of law, an airstrike on a hospital may amount to a war crime,’ said Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein.

Any investigation into the attack must be transparent. To echo Cone, it is not enough to give only the conclusions of an inquiry, those affected and the public want to see the contents and justice for the victims.

Links

“Unspeakable”: An MSF Nurse Recounts the Attack on MSF’s Kunduz Hospital

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/article/unspeakable-msf-nurse-recounts-attack-msfs-kunduz-hospital

Afghanistan: MSF Demands Explanations After Deadly Airstrikes Hit Hospital in Kunduz”

http://www.msf.org/article/afghanistan-msf-demands-explanations-after-deadly-airstrikes-hit-hospital-kunduz

“Afghanistan: Taliban accuse “barbaric American Forces” of alleged war crimes after aerial bombing of Kunduz hospital”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/10/03/afghanistan-taliban-accuse-barbaric-american-forces-of-alleged-war-crimes-after-aerial-bombing-of-kunduz-hospital/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Taliban in the centre of Kunduz (Via Sabiq Jihadmal)

Badakhshan gains

Following a surprise take-over of Kunduz, northern Afghanistan leading to a fierce battle with security forces trying to reclaim the city, Islamic Emirate (Afghan Taliban) have now made significant gains in Badakhshan. Abdulqahar Balkhi (an account affiliated with Islamic Emirate) tweeted,

Baharak district HQ (#Badakhshan) under siege and attacks from 4 axis, enemy suffer losses, details later

Glad Tidings ::: Mujahidin have now overrun the entire district center & defensive CPs, complete report coming soon #Azm

Important.. Hireling troops flee & abandon largest base in Aab Raghak district (#Badakhshan) due to fear of attacks

For further information on Taliban progress see,

“Taliban overruns another district in Afghan north”

Taliban overruns another 2 districts in Afghan north

Air incident

Taliban also claimed, “Mujahidin shot down a US cargo plane in Jalalabad overnight, 15 invaders + several hirelings killed” during Operation, Azm (Resolve). Air Force Times reported, “six U.S. airmen and five civilians were killed when a C-130J crashed Friday shortly after takeoff at Jalalabad Airfield” adding “while the crash is still under investigation, enemy fire is not suspected as a factor, the news release says.”

Bogus media interview?

Lynn O’Donnell accused of “fabricated” interview (Image via Twitter)

Balkhi also called out Associated Press journalist, bureau chief in Kabul, Lynn O’ Donnell for conducting an “exclusive phone call with fantasy? leader” regarding the fall of Kunduz. She claimed to have spoken to Mullah Akhtar Mansoor with quotations. Balkhi was having none of it and tweeted AP stating that “a report of conducting a phone interview with Amir ul Mumineen, Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansur (HA) is fabricated”.  He added, “Amir ul Mumineen has not contacted nor given interview to any news outlet.” O’Donnell’s article can be read here,

“Exclusive Taliban leader says Afghan insurgency strong”

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/82f28f8f1dda4a6e9c58bd3229ecdffe/ap-exclusive-taliban-leader-says-afghan-insurgency-strong

Taliban deny Amnesty International Allegations

Horia Mosadiq campaigns for the rights of women in Afghanistan

Balkhi accused Amnesty International human rights organization of “excellent make-believe” after they released a statement accusing the Taliban of serious human rights violations in Kunduz, denied by the group. Horia Mosadiq, Afghanistan Researcher at Amnesty International was quoted throughout and said,

“the harrowing accounts we’ve received paint a picture of a reign of terror during the Taliban’s brutal capture of Kunduz this week. The multiple credible reports of killings, rapes and other horrors meted out against the city’s residents must prompt the Afghan authorities to do more now to protect civilians, in particular in areas where more fighting appears imminent,”

Balkhi claimed Amnesty Online had “lost all credibility” once they “threw in western fantasies of gang rape, tsk, tsk”. Balkhi called the report “baseless” saying there were “no rapes/execution/looting”. The Taliban spokesperson continued his condemnation tweeting,

Seems western journalists/orgs have some serious fetish for Taliban, first gang rapes by @AmnestyOnline now interview by @lynnekodonnell

Balkhi suggested that both Amnesty and Lynn O’Donnell “need immediate help” and “perhaps a meeting with these psychiatrists”.  In a moment of pure satire, he then posted a video of British comedians Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, the content described as, “two psychiatrists both analyse each other at the same time, while none of them agrees to be the patient”, see following link,

“A Bit of Fry and Laurie – Psychiatrists”

Both the Amnesty International statement and Islamic Emirate denial can be read in the “Links” section.

Credibility?

It is dangerous to assume that because a report comes from a human rights organization it must be correct or that any denial from an insurgent group must be disbelieved. Polarization can be very misleading. Amnesty International was founded with good intentions and has carried out some great work over the years but more and more it is in danger of losing a grip on reality and being too closely tied in to wider political agendas.

Several years ago the group was approached by phone and email to investigate allegations in the UK of serious human rights abuses which involved unlawful experimentation at the hands of the state similar to that carried out under the Nazis at Auschwitz. This lead to the unlawful killing of around 2,000 British citizens and caused harm to 2,500 more individuals and their families. It was an issue covered up for years by successive governments due to civilians being DELIBERATELY harmed. The state violated laws, lied, shredded documents and hid their wrongdoing (now finally admitted in parliament with an apology given by David Cameron) and promise of further help to victims whilst still managing to avoid a full and open public inquiry. For years both the British and US Government created a false narrative to hide their tracks which relied heavily on media accepting their official statements without question. Amnesty was one of the organizations that repeatedly obliged.

During a phone call the group refused help and support to dying victims claiming they concentrated on cases abroad as there “were no human rights abuses in the UK”. From that day on they lost much of their credibility and will hopefully be brought fully to account in the future.

With regard to Afghanistan, all CREDIBLE reports of human rights abuses must be investigated. Where allegations are made against the Taliban, firstly those reporting must ensure that the persons allegedly involved are actual Taliban. There are a number of recorded incidents where others have used their name to either deliberately discredit particularly when Taliban makes advances in war. Some have impersonated the Taliban for personal financial gain such as certain extortion cases in Pakistan where letters were forged claiming to be from the group, those responsible were later exposed.

Over the years the timing of such reports  has been eye opening. Reports of “poisoning” of girls are automatically attributed to the Taliban when they could well be the actions of Taliban enemies or not poisonings at all. Mass “poisoning” of schoolgirls for example could be down to crop fumigation in the region as recently highlighted in Pakistan or even vitamin supplements being wrongly prescribed which led in one case to many schoolgirls suffering severe stomach cramps mistaken for poisoning. Where there are allegations, it is important to establish the cause then make sure every effort is made to identify actual culprits and reason behind an incident.

As stated, Horia Mosadiq is quoted several times within the Amnesty statement dated 1st October 2015. What is most strange is that although there are a number of allegations against the Taliban from sources whose names are withheld, the report seems extremely biased. There is no mention whatsoever of the two statements issued by Islamic Emirate regarding the take over at Kunduz clarifying that all fighters must respect civilians and do all they can to avoid casualties. They are encouraged to carry on with their work (though clearly this is difficult in a conflict zone).

Back on 28th September, Amnesty stated,

“reports that the Taliban have already sent armed fighters into a public provincial hospital are extremely worrying. Hospitals are places of sanctuary under international law and their staff must be allowed to do their vital life-saving work without the threat of violence or undue interference.”

Vice News that appeared to have been in contact with staff at the local hospital in Kunduz stated,

“a hospital official confirmed Taliban fighters had entered the hospital briefly, apparently looking for wounded government fighters.

‘They just visited our rooms. They didn’t harm anybody and didn’t damage anything. They left soon after,’ said the official, who declined to be identified as he feared repercussions.”

Ironically the tragic news has just come in from Afghan journalist Ali M Laatifi that who tweeted,

Aerial bombing in #Kunduz kills at least three staff of @MSF at trauma centre, where 105 patients and their caretakers were at

The @MSF trauma centre in #Kunduz was hit by aerial bombings at 2:10am, three staff killed, 30 unaccounted for

Since fighting broke out in #Kunduz on Monday, @MSF has treated 394 wounded in their trauma centre

The ‪#‎Taliban‬ say ‪#‎US‬ behind aerial bombing of @MSF in #Kunduz that killed at least three of MSF staff

The #Taliban say none of their “mujahideen” treated at @MSF trauma centre in #Kunduz due to “prevailing military condition”

Via journo Ali M Latifi

Lets hope that Amnesty International will work to hold whoever is responsible to account.

Whether Mosadiq authored the full Amnesty statements on Afghanistan in recent days is unclear. There is no doubting her disdain for the Taliban and she makes it clear on video she does not welcome any form of reconciliation with the Taliban urging women in the UK to write letters to make their stance known. Her biography on Huffington Post reads,

“she was a child growing up in Herat province when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Soon after the fall of Dr. Najibullah’s government, she was forced to stop her studies at Kabul University and leave Afghanistan. She subsequently obtained a Master’s degree in Public Relations from Berkeley University in the United States of America. For the past 20 years, she has had a successful career as a journalist, political analyst, and has led several human rights groups in Afghanistan.”

Mosadiq went on to work for United Press International (UPI) purchased in May 2000 by the Unification Church’s media corporation, News World Communications. She appeared in a video, Horia Mosadiq on “Religious Fundamentalism and its Impact on Women and Girls in Afghanistan” Women, Religion and Religious-Right Panel see following link,

The event was chaired by Julie Bindel a radical feminist writer who according to one video “openly called for men to be put into concentration camps and eradicating heterosexuality”. Bindel stated,

“I mean I would actually put them all in some kind of camp where they can all drive around in quad bikes, or bicycles or white vans”

“I would give them a choice of vehicle to drive around with, no porn, they wouldn’t be able to fight – wewould have wardens of course”

“Women who want to see their sons or male loved ones, would be able to go and visit, ot take them out like a library book, and then bring them back.”

Perhaps some of Bindell’s ideas may have rubbed off on Mosadiq? The Taliban may be labelled by some as extreme in their attitude towards women but Bindell’s views are seen by many in the UK as somewhat extreme towards men.

Links

Amnesty International report, 

“Afghanistan: Harrowing accounts emerge of the Taliban’s reign of terror in Kunduz”

Afghanistan: Harrowing accounts emerge of the Taliban’s reign of terror in Kunduz

Islamic Emirate denial of allegations is here,

“Afghanistan: Remarks of spokesman of Islamic Emirate regarding report by Amnesty International”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/10/02/afghanistan-remarks-of-spokesman-of-islamic-emirate-regarding-report-by-amnesty-international/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Hospital under attack (Image via Islamic Emirate)

News has just come in that the Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières’ (MSF) Trauma center in Kunduz was hit several times in an aerial bombardment that badly damaged the building and caused the death of at least 3 staff with 30 unaccounted for. It is unclear how many patients were affected. Staff at the hospital had worked around the clock with a greatly increased workload following the Taliban take -over of the northern Afghan city of Kunduz and subsequent battles with security forces.

Danielle Moylan for the Telegraph in Kabul tweeted,

Kunduz residents describe harrowing scenes at @MSF hospital bombing, saying scores were trapped inside burning building. #Afghanistan

Kunduz police spox confirms MSF bombing a US airstrike. US confirmed their hit caused collateral damage but still investigating #Afghanistan

Staff group picture before airstrike posted on FB. Only hospital in the region devastated by bombing (Image Humayoonbabur)

Dr. Masood Nasim who leads the medical team wrote an account of the first 72 hours in the hospital after fighting engulfed Kunduz city on Monday. He stated,

For days this has been the only functioning hospital in the area, and we are receiving wounded from across the city. We treat women, men, children; civilians and combatants. We treat everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or political affiliations and as long as they leave their weapons at the door. I’m very proud that we have this specialist trauma hospital, the only one of its kind in the whole north-east of Afghanistan.

From time to time the fighting calms, and I’ve been outside the hospital briefly. But all of my energy has been focused on the medical activities here.

I’m Afghan, and I’ve grown up with fighting, shelling and bullets, as has most of our team. No one looks scared. But whether or not you are used to it, when there is violence going on around you, of course you are worried. It interferes with your normal activities and thinking. You don’t see it, but in your body you feel it.”

It is unclear whether Dr Nasim survived the bombing.

The following statement was released by MSF.

Afghanistan: MSF Staff Killed, Hospital Partially Destroyed in Kunduz

October 02, 2015

It will be very difficult to provide trauma services to the region following the destruction of a key health facility (Image via Islamic Emirate)

Foreign invaders and their hirelings used heavy force on Thursday in an attempt to retake Kunduz city but failed after sustaining heavy material and corporeal losses due to stiff Mujahideen resistance.

The four day presence of Mujahideen here not only indicates the strength of Mujahideen and weakness of the enemy but proves that the struggle of the Mujahideen is sacred and not for attaining wealth and property.

All the countrymen and the citizens of Kunduz witnessed that the struggle for religion and country by Mujahideen against the invaders and their lackeys is a pure struggle, free of any other aims.

The invaders and their stooges made some claims yesterday which were unfortunately picked up media outlets and it was even more unfortunate that the organization of Amnesty International also used these accusations in their own report circulated from the address of the invaders.

They accused the Mujahideen in Kunduz of looting people’s property, torching homes and carrying out other unethical actions.

The publication of this baseless report by the said organization clearly displays their partiality which we condemn and consider totally unjust.

The actions of the said organization are in total conflict with its name. Its reports are always drafted and published based upon animosity and political interests.

Everyone saw the entering of Mujahideen into Kunduz city and their presence inside it up to this time where they have not touched public and private property.

The residents of Kunduz and members of parliament of the stooge regime have also testified to this fact but Amnesty International turned a blind eye to all these realities and directly rallied behind the invaders against the Islamic Emirate.

Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Zabihullah Mujahid

18/12/1436 Hijri Lunar

10/08/1394 Hijri Solar                       02/10/2015 Gregorian

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Breaking: Control over an Afghan army base in Asheen-Nangarhar (1st October 2015)

In a continuation of their assault on army bases in the province of Nangarhar in Afghanistan, Islamic State Khorasan have issued the following statement,

“Allah made it easy for the army of the ‘khilafah’ (Islamic State, Khorasan) to gain control over an Afghan Army base in Asheen-Nangarhar and this was after the attacks were aimed at the Afghan apostate army in which 2 BMP vehicles and every one in it were killed. Likewise 10s of apostates were killed during another heavy attack on the apostate commander of the base Noor Khan who was severely wounded and the battles are still going on.”

(This statement could not be independently verified)

The group was founded in the region around October 2015 when a group of fighters defected from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) forming Islamic State Khorasan under the command of  Hafiz Saeed Khan. A video was released in January 2015 showing the group giving allegiance to ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. IS Khorasan were recently placed on the US list of global terrorist organizations, see following,

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/247433.htm

Links

“Afghanistan: Islamic State Khorasan allege capturing 3 posts in Nangahar and killing dozens of military”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/afghanistan-islamic-state-khorasan-allege-capturing-3-posts-in-nangahar-and-killing-dozens-of-military/

“IS in Afghanistan”

http://www.dawn.com/news/1210025/is-in-afghanistan

“Are IS gaining a foothold in Pakistan”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/are-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-afpak-new-video-release-shows-some-allegiance-in-the-region/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Islamic State (IS) Khorasan have sent media images of IS in Afghanistan allegedly breaking in to barracks of the Afghan military. They claim to have killed dozens of soldiers and have control of barracks in Nangarhar province in the eastern part of the country. This will come as another blow to the Afghan government who are now dealing with the well planned take-over of Kunduz City by the Taliban. See following link for full story,

“Afghanistan storm Kunduz, resident states city is “completely with Taliban, ANSF out”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/afghanistan-taliban-storm-kunduz-resident-states-city-is-completely-with-taliban-ansf-are-out/

This comes in a week which saw the US State Department add IS Khorasan to its official terror watch list, seen as an increasing threat to security in the region. The group is headed by former Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Hafiz Saeed Khan. A number of former Pakistan and Afghan Taliban including a TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid (also known as Shaykh Maqbool) defected at the back-end of 2014 and later gave allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Caliph of Islamic State. See following link,

“TTP release statement regarding Shahidullah Shahid who has allegedly pledged allegiance to IS”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2014/10/18/ttp-release-statement-regarding-shahidullah-shahid-who-has-allegedly-pledged-allegiance-to-is/

There have been a number of clashes between IS and the Taliban with the latter claiming recently to have driven IS out of Helmand province. Anger grew after a graphic video was released earlier this year showing Taliban supporters tied with explosives and blown up by IS (see Links section). However IS appear to have gained a foothold in Nangarhar province which shares a border with neighboring Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

The following 3 posts detail IS in Khorasan latest attacks against Afghan military (translations) and could not be independently verified

First Post

The first one reads as “Breaking: 20 of the Afghan apostate army soldiers killed in a break- in on the barrack in Adal Khel area. Praise be to allah that the army of “khilafah” broke in to the barracks of Afghan Army in Adal Khel area of Asheen-Nangarhar and acquired the weapons and other supplies as war booty and killed the head of the barrack Sardar Wali.”

Second Post

Second one reads “50 soldiers from the Afghan apostate army killed in another attack on a barrack. In the series of attacks on barracks of Afghan apostate army in Adal Khel (Asheen Nangarhar) the army of the “khilafah” gained control over another barrack in which 50 of the soldiers were killed and 2 were held captive. Other heavy medium and light weapons were taken as war booty and the head of the barrack who was called Anaarkal was beheaded.”

Third Post

Third one reads “Breaking: massive attacks on two barracks of Afghan army in Adal Khel. Allah made it easy for the army of “khilafah” in Wilayat Khorasan to attack two barracks of the Afghan Army in Adal Khel (Asheen- Nangarhar) where they obtained control of the barracks, set their car ablaze and obtained numerous weapons as war booty added to that killing of 9 apostates.”

Photos of attacks (warning graphic) 

Islamic State Khorasan have sent media images of their militants allegedly breaking into Afghan military barracks killing what appear to be armed forces and allegedly taking control of barracks in Nangarhar area.

(Thanks to translator for assistance)

Links

“IS in Afghanistan”

http://www.dawn.com/news/1210025/is-in-afghanistan

“US State Department Designation of Foreign Fighters 2015”

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/247433.htm

“AfPak: Islamic State Khorasan, graphic video released allegedly showing Taliban supporters, members tied with explosives and blown up”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/afpak-islamic-state-khorasan-graphic-video-released-allegedly-showing-talibansupporters-members-tied-with-explosives-and-blown-up/

“Are IS gaining a foothold in Pakistan”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/are-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-afpak-new-video-release-shows-some-allegiance-in-the-region/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

The message of felicitation of esteemed Amir-ul-momineen Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor on the eve of Eid-ul-Odha published on 22 September 2015. It was reflected in international and local media of our beloved country and numbers of commentators expressed their comments and analysis. In fact, it was a comprehensive message in view of current situation of the country. It contain important issues like Jihad, peace, education, politics, establishment of Sharia-based government, respect of people, independence and sovereignty of the country. All the mention topics in its essence have the room to be further discussed and explored.

But the issue of people’s honor and human dignity is very important, noteworthy and apparently mentioned in the message. The message says that Islamic Emirate is not only a Jihadic political movement but a system intending to bring about reawakening and character refinement among our Muslim people and live up to their expectations regarding multi-faceted progress including education, economical development, social prosperity and a civilized modern life. The message further says that “Afghanistan is a shared home of all Afghans and there must be a close rapport, coordination and cooperation among all ethnicities and among talents from the modern and religious educations sectors”. So, this home could be built through affection, unity and coordination.

The second subject matter of people’s honor is associated with faith and ideas of the people and it is at the top of the list of important issues. The implementation of Islamic Sharia and divine laws is the legitimate demand of our people and Afghans are striving for it according to their capacities. They have always stepped into the battlefield for the obtainment of this great ambition and by the grace of Almighty Allah, they have given crushing blows to every tyrant and invader. Whoever had tried to harm the faith of Afghan nation, they are not only defeated but have faced humiliation and disgrace in the world. Communists coup d’état and Russian invasion is a good example in hand. The recent message plainly explains the issue and has given satisfaction to the people regarding the establishment of Islamic system. “We have right to defend our faith and land…. And to form an Islamic system, an Afghan inclusive Islamic system where all people have their legitimate rights secured…………”

Another aspect of people’s honor is the protection of life, wealth and dignity of people. Establishment of peaceful environment for Afghans and defending their rights are the important aspects of the issue of people’s honor. The message emphasizes time and again on this issue. In one part of the message strict instruction has given to the Mujahideen for prevention of civilians casualties. “The Mujahideen should be fully careful not to shed blood of innocent people during operations. The Islamic Emirate has the responsibility to protect its people and I as Amir of the Islamic Emirate, will never allow any harm and jeopardy to be done to the life and property of the people as a result of negligence and incaution”. In another part of the message, people’s honor has been mentioned as the main objective of Jihad and prime responsibility of Mujahideen. “Mujahideen brothers should wage Jihad solely with the intention of raising the word of Allah (working for the cause of Allah) and for prosperity and service of the oppressed countrymen and consider the protection of life, property and humane dignity of the people as their Sharia-required and moral obligation and have a conduct full of affection, kindness and sympathy with people”.

Another aspect of people’s honor is the involvement of people in decision-making regarding important issues of the country. It is obvious like a broad day light that religious scholars, tribal elders, influentials and other scholars have important rule in security and development of the country and maintaining unity among Afghans. Whoever has not paid attention to the opinions of their people and has not listened to the advices of people, they have destroyed themselves as well as their country. Therefore, the message emphases; “Mujahideen should resolve their problems and those of the common Muslims in consultation and understanding with reverend religious scholars, tribal leaders and infuentials from among the people. Behave with them like a servant not like a ruler.”

Similarly, the message considers the educated class and national businessmen of the country as the builders of the country. Their talents should be honored and wealth should be protected and opportunities should be given to them for their services and activities. On the other hand, the esteemed leader considers public installations as national assets of the people which should be protected from any kind of attacks and harm. The activities of Self-less charity organization (NGOs) has welcomed for the benefit and prosperity of people. There are some other important points incorporated in the message for the well-being and development of afghan nation and it would convince readers by going through the whole message.

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Mujahideen take control of another district in Takhar

(Islamic Emirate statement)

TAKHAR, Sep. 29 – The Islamic Emirate’s Mujahideen gained control Bangi district of northern Takhar province following the seizure of Ishkamish district early this morning amid intense fighting that forced the enemy to retreat with fatal losses, Al-Emarah News reports.

Early this morning Mujahideen stormed the Bangi district and seized the district’s administration buildings.

With the district fallen, the enemy ran away leaving vehicles filled with arms and ammo behind as Mujahideen intercepted them.

This came as Mujahideen seized control of Kunduz city with police headquarters and all the military and government installations followed by capture of 12 combat posts in Chahar Darah and 14 others along the road between Kunduz and Khanabad which led to the conquest of Ishkamish district of Takhar province.

According to recent reports, Khanabad district is said to be under Mujahideen siege where heavy fighting is well underway.

Meantime, Mujahideen captured a huge military base and another 6 outposts within the limits of Kunduz city, taking the number of the military installations seized by Mujahideen to over 27 till late yesterday night.
Furthermore, a large number of the enemy top and low-level personnel has been cornered by Mujahideen in airbase since Kunduz airport was under Mujahideen siege.

Similarly, Mujahideen seized a number of posts around Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad. She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.