The Taliban’s new special forces unit is wreaking havoc against the U.S.-backed Afghan National Security Forces, The Associated Press reports.
The unit’s name reportedly translates to “Danger Group” and demonstrates the Taliban’s adaptation to full-scale ground war against the Afghan Defense Forces. The Taliban is a traditionally insurgent force that relied heavily on indirect attacks on U.S. and Afghan forces during the U.S. combat mission that ended in 2014.
The group is reportedly heading the offensive for Helmand’s capital city, Lashkar Gah. Helmand province is strategic heartland for the Taliban, and the U.S. heavily prioritized its pacification until 2014. Hundreds of U.S. marines and British forces died in Helmand province, and Lashkar Gah is one of the major commercial capitals of Afghanistan. The head of Helmand’s Provincial Council told AP, “The Taliban are now controlling 80 percent of Helmand.”
The Deputy head of Helmand Provincial Council elaborated that the group is “very dangerous and very successful.” The head of Afghan army efforts in neighboring Kandahar province echoed this position, saying, “We can’t deny that the Taliban are now changing their techniques and this new group is part of their new approach and new tactics. They are well equipped and highly armed.”
Reports further indicate the group is using night vision technology, erasing a significant competitive advantage U.S. and Afghan forces enjoyed over the primitive enemy. The night vision technology is used to mount sniper attacks on unsuspecting supply convoys, and has forced the Afghan forces to guard their already vulnerable supply lines.
If the Taliban is able to capture Lashkar Gah, it will mark the second time since 2001 the Taliban have been able to seize a major Afghan city. In late September, 2015, the Taliban seized the Afghan city of Kunduz, marking one of its biggest battlefield achievements since the war began in 2001.
Beyond Helmand province, the Taliban have made unprecedented gains against the Afghan government in 2015. President Barack Obama reversed his decision to withdraw most U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and has pledged to keep at least 8,400 troops in Afghanistan by the end of his presidency. The Afghan defense forces have been doing so poorly against the Taliban, Obama authorized more offensive rules of engagement in June, 2016.
Since 2014, the U.S. has relied on training and advising Afghan defense forces against the Taliban. The Taliban has used this time to develop conventional ground capabilities. The Afghan Defense Forces have proven inept in combating structural problems like corruption and mass desertions.
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