Afghan National Police - Structure - Afghan Border Police

Afghan Border Police

The Afghan Border Police (ABP) are responsible for securing all the borders with neighboring countries and international airports of Afghanistan against the illegal entry of persons as well as the smuggling of contraband. The ABP is divided into six regional zones, with headquarters in Mazar-i-Sharif, Fayzabad, Jalalabad, Gardez, Kandahar, and Herat. As of January 2011, there are at least 25 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection officers providing training to the Afghan Border Police. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the number could reach 65 or more by the end of 2011. Napolitano visited the Torkham border crossing with Pakistan and was satisfied with the progress being made there. The ABP specific duties include the following:

• Provide border security patrols within a security zone that extends 55 km into the territory of Afghanistan.
• Provide immigration / visa services and investigate immigration violations.
• Establish and maintain border crossing points, to include all international airports within the country.
• Provide perimeter, building, aircraft and passenger security of international airports.
• Arrest and deport illegal persons.