Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in - United States ...

The ANA 207 th Corps’ increased planning and operational capability has accelerated and
expanded their sense of ownership for operations and increased their interaction with coalition
forces. Nevertheless, shortfalls remain concerning the planning of complex operations (crossboundary
operations) and lack of equipment.
The major challenge within RC-W for the near term will be to sustain the ANSF operational
capability as coalition forces withdraw and remaining forces shift to an advisory role within the
transition process.
REGIONAL COMMAND – NORTH
During this reporting period, enemy-initiated attacks in RC-N decreased by 60 percent in the
October 2011 through March 2012 time period compared to the same time period one year ago.
Security incidents in Regional Command – North (RC-N) accounted for two percent of all
security incidents throughout Afghanistan, a decrease of two percent from October 2010 – March
2011.
During the past six months, operations in RC-N focused on maintaining Afghan Government
control over key terrain in Kunduz, Faryab and Baghlan Provinces, and promoting freedom of
movement along Highways 1, 3, and 6. In addition to these efforts, planning has begun on
operations to provide security to enable the construction of Highway 1 from Qaisar District in
Faryab Province to Almar District in Badghis Province in RC-W. Notably, the planning and
eventual execution of this effort is ANSF-led, with ISAF providing partners, mentors, and
enablers.
In October 2011, the ANSF, with ISAF support and partnering, started Operation EBTEKAR III,
a six-month ANSF-led operation in the provinces of Balkh and Jowzjan intended to disrupt
insurgents’ activity and enable the ANSF to retain and expand security. The operation also set
the conditions for the transition of these areas to Afghan Government control.
In February 2012, Operation CHAMTO started as a cross-provincial operation in Kunduz and
Baghlan Provinces. This Afghan-planned and -led operation builds on the previous security gains
and is expected to retain and improve the security situation in order to maintain freedom of
movement on Highways 1, 3, and 5, a strategically important but fragile area.
With the ANSF in the lead, planning of future operations and force posture continues to focus on
winter/spring operations and current and future transition planning. The 209 th ANA Corps in
RC-N continued to develop, and all units increased their capabilities for planning and execution
of operations during the reporting period.
In January 2012, Tranche Two transition ceremonies took place in Badakhshan, Balkh, and
Jowzjan Provinces, with security provided by coordinated operations between the ANP and
ANA, and ISAF providing emergency support as needed. ANSF performance during the
transition ceremonies demonstrated the improved capabilities for combined operations between
the ANA and ANP.
The upcoming challenges for RC-N will be the reduction in coalition forces as well as the
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