[Quqnoos] A new directive from NATO's top commander in Afghanistan orders foreign forces to avoid night raids when possible
The news guideline of Gen Stanley McChrystal relaseed on Friday says international troops should be accompanied by Afghan forces if they must enter homes after dark.
McChrystal had issued the order in late January and portions of the classified directive were made public Friday by his headquarters.
It follows the NATO commander's move to limit the use of air strikes last year that were responsible for the bulk of civilian deaths.
"Despite their effectiveness and operational value, night raids come at a steep cost in terms of the perceptions of the Afghan people," according to excerpts of his directive.
"In the Afghan culture, a man's home is more than just his residence. ... Even when there is no damage or injuries, Afghans can feel deeply violated and dishonored, making winning their support that much more difficult," it said.
At a security conference in Munich last month, President Hamid Karzai called for an end to night raids, saying "the war on terror is not in the Afghan villages and homes".
Civilian deaths and injuries inflicted during operations by international forces have caused deep anger among Afghans and drive people's support towards the Taliban.
Afghan security forces "should be the first force seen and the first voices heard by the occupants of any compound entered" during a night raid, the directive added. |