NATO troops must bring Afghan troops with them on night raids, a new directive says

NATO details its Afghan night raids policy

KABUL — A new directive says NATO forces in Afghanistan must avoid night raids when possible, bring Afghan troops along with them if they do enter homes after dark and alert government representatives beforehand.

The alliance released these details of its new policy for night raids Sunday — changes that are meant to cut down on the storm of complaints from Afghan people.

NATO commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal issued the order in January, and portions of the classified directive were just made public.

Night raids emerged as the leading concern among Afghans after McChrystal limited the use of the airstrikes last year that were responsible for the bulk of civilian deaths. The AP earlier reported that the directive had been issued to troops in January.