Panjshir ANP Proof of Progress

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Panjshir Afghan National Police proved that their training in community policing and law enforcement tactics was successful by apprehending seven suspects in two related incidents that occurred in the Panjshir valley on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 24.

According to reports, three males driving through the village of Omarz in the Khenj district were involved in an altercation with three other males about an incident that occurred more than one year ago.

Allegedly, the first three individuals assaulted the Khenj residents, stabbing one of the Khenj males and shooting the other two.  The suspects then fled the scene, but ANP in the neighboring Bazarak district apprehended them after receiving notification from the Khenj ANP through the newly established Panjshir Operations Command Center.

In an apparent retaliation for the incident, family members of the injured males threw a grenade at members of the suspects’ family, injuring an additional three individuals.  The Bazarak ANP apprehended four individuals and brought them to the ANP headquarters in Bazarak, where they remain in custody.  

“An altercation resulting in this level of violence is not typical of the usual tranquil state of affairs in Panjshir,” said Lt. Col. Eric W. Hommel, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team commander.   “The response is an indicator of the system working here in the valley.  The ANP and provincial emergency services responded, communicated, and coordinated successfully.  This was not a controlled exercise.  This was the real deal, and everyone involved proved they’re prepared and capable.”  

Emergency crews transported injured to the main hospital in the Anaba district of the valley.  The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.  

Authorities are not releasing the names of the suspects who instigated the altercation, but believe they reside in Kabul.  The incident is currently under investigation.