NATO minimizes interactions with ANSF to avert attacks

In a bid to immediately prevent more US-NATO deaths from so-called green on blue attacks, John Allen, US-NATO’s top commander in Afghanistan, has instructed foreign troops in Afghanistan to minimize contacts with Afghan security forces to “absolutely necessary”.

US-NATO forces are allowed to kill "rogue" ANSF. Photo:  Francis O'Brien 

The new ISAF directive impacts joint NATO-ANSF counterinsurgency operations, joint patrols, trainings and several other activities.

ISAF personnel have also been advised to limit meetings with ANSF officials at their posts but instead invite Afghan counterparts to ISAF facilities. Afghans visiting US-NATO facilities will be subject to thorough screening to ensure they carry no fire arms.

The new directive also includes other measures such as presence of “Guardian Angels” during every US-NATO and ANSF interaction.

Killing license

Perhaps most alarming is the ‘license to kill’ awarded to US-NATO forces when they see signs of threats from ANSF. This means every foreign soldier is permitted to kill ANSF forces when perceived unfriendly. 

US-NATO personnel are instructed to carry weapons - fully loaded and ready to use – whenever and wherever with ANSF. 

Surveillance

Alongside strict practical measures, intensified intelligence is being applied to thwart green on blue plots.

NDS has deployed scores of agents and will deploy “hundreds” more who will be closely watching potential “rogue elements” in ANA and ANP.

US-NATO tech intelligence units will also monitor phone calls by suspicious ANSF members.

On top of these, moles will be planted in ANSF ranks to conduct sting operations.

NDS is required to produce lists of suspicious ANSF personnel and share with US-NATO for systematic surveillance.

Critical surveillance will be placed on those Pashtuns that have voluntarily signed up to ANSF over the past two years. It’s believed that most “rogue elements” joined ANSF after Obama’s surge and/or high-profile incidents such as Koran burning in Bagram, Panjwaye massacre etc.

“Don’t trust them”

The new US-NATO mitigating measures are likely to impact dwindling trust between ANSF and US-NATO.

Suspicion is particularly high on US-NATO part while ANSF will be under intense surveillance and under the mercy of NATO’s Guardian Angels.

New ANSF leadership – expected to be announced by Karzai this week – will place serious emphasis on their subordinates to regain trust with their foreign mentors/allies.