The security situation in Afghanistan has been gradually deteriorating.

According to the statistical data of the Kabul Office of the ANSO (Afghanistan NGO Security Office) in the first nine months of year 2010 the insurgent attacks have increased by 59 per cent compared to the same months in 2009.

There has been a steady increase in the security incidents in the Northern Region where the Hungarian PRT is deployed. The ninth rotation of the PRT has also experienced the worsening security situation. During the preparation period they were told to expect war conditions. However it has been hard for the Hungarian soldiers to adapt to the combat circumstances on the spot.

There have been 68 incidents this September compared to 17 during the same period in 2009. Most of the attacks happened during the Afghan Elections. Few soldiers could have a good night’s sleep in Camp Pannonia during this time, because everybody was on alert. Civilian and allied wounded had to be attended, helicopters had to be refuelled. Meanwhile the rapid reaction force units had to be maintained to provide help for the allied forces in case of emergency.

During the Afghan Elections 2010 the PRT had to accomplish several tasks requiring great effort. In heavy fights several artillery grenades hit he ground in the proximity of the Hungarian camp. Fortunately no damages or injuries occurred. Not only were the troops of the Hungarian PRT on the alert. The BRAVO mentoring team of OMLT (Operational Mentoring Liaison Team) together with the 2nd Kandak battalion of the Afghan National Army (ANA) successfully defended the Bage-Shamali school during a fire fight lasting for hours.

Meanwhile the number of reconstruction work has been decreasing due to deteriorating security situation. In 2009 as many as 195 projects have been realized by CIMIC. This year only 88 projects have been completed due to shortage of resources. It has two reasons. Firstly PRT has not been supported financially by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Secondly deteriorating security including insurgent attacks rendered large areas inaccessible to the assistance community.

In spite of all the difficulties the Hungarian PRT continues the developmental activity exploiting their abilities and opportunities. They continue to improve the living conditions of the population. They are engaged in enhancing security in Afghanistan by all available means.

Edited and translated by Dóra Darnyik