KABUL, July 14: Turkish troops are building a close rapport with local police and the citizens of Kabul by adopting a deliberately low-key and friendly approach as they patrol the streets of the Afghan capital.

Turkey, the only Muslim member of the 20-nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), set out to win the hearts and minds of the local population after taking command of ISAF from the British last month.

They are now conducting patrols throughout most of the day and into the night in large swathes of a city which was previously plagued by crime. Since ISAF first began deploying last December, crime has been reduced dramatically.

The Turkish took over the British patrols in the southwestern districts of Kabul and have quickly built up a good working relationship with the local police.

As he leads a nighttime patrol in the Darhul Eman neighbourhood, Turkish Lieutenant Sehirli meets up with local police chief Nasrullah Itcha who repeats a dinner invitation.

“We need to work together,” added Nasrullah.

The Turks, who are always accompanied by a local police officer, hope that their professionalism will rub off on their Afghan colleagues.

The aim is to teach them “how to react, not only when there’s a problem but also in their daily work such as registering and dealing with complaints,” explained Captain Attila Sen.

As night falls, the streets of Kabul rapidly empty, prompted by a curfew which is now in force from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am.

The 14-man Turkish patrol prowls through the streets equipped with assault rifles, night-vision goggles and distinctive green berets.

The scene is in contrast to the situation in the daytime where the streets are full of people who want to engage with the Turks.

“In the daytime, we often stop along the streets or on the corners and people approach us naturally,” said Sehirli.

“We talk with them to find out if anything is going on or if they need the help of the police.”

The lack of helmets and heavy weaponry is designed to make them appear more approachable.

“If you have helmets and you are pointing your weapons, the people will just be afraid of you, they will never come up to talk to you,” according to British naval officer Commander Simon Ryan, who accompanied the Turks on their nighttime patrol.

“It is important that the locals can see that we are ready to talk to them and they understand the point of our being here,” Ryan added.

ISAF has recently been conducting a survey in the capital to gauge how the locals perceive the multi-national force’s purpose and performance.

As far as Itcha was concerned, there was little doubt that the response would be positive.

“As long as the Turkish battalion remains here, they will be very useful for they are an enormous help for us in maintaining security,” he said.

His view was echoed by people questioned on the streets of the capital.

“It is very reassuring when I hear the sound of ISAF vehicles around my house,” said paint shop owner Abdulmatim.

“They behave well with the people and you feel secure with them as they discourage the thieves.”

The Afghan police do not attract as much praise, but the locals seem ready to give them the benefit of the doubt and a little time to improve their act.

“When there is disarmament and the local police are better trained, then ISAF can leave.”

For street porter Mohammad Yakoub, the improved security under ISAF has been invaluable.

Around 1,500 ISAF troops from Turkey, France and Germany are currently patrolling the Afghan capital.

The force’s mandate has been limited to the capital despite appeals by President Hamid Karzai for troops to be dispatched beyond Kabul.

The United Nations-sanctioned force will continue patrols at least until December as moves to train up a new police force and national army continue.—AFP