The Taliban’s Special Forces unit has emerged as a major player in the group’s recent military campaigns in Afghanistan. Comprised of highly trained soldiers, the unit has been responsible for some of the Taliban’s most devastating attacks, including the capture of Kunduz in 2021.
Equipped with advanced weaponry such as 82-millimeter rockets, laser pointers, heavy machine guns, and U.S.-made M-4 assault rifles, the Special Forces unit is a formidable force on the battlefield. They are also known to have used and possess dozens of armored Humvees and Ford Ranger pickup trucks stolen from Afghan forces.
Despite being a relatively new addition to the Taliban’s military structure, the Special Forces unit has quickly become one of the group’s most effective and feared fighting forces. As the Taliban seeks to consolidate its power in Afghanistan, understanding the capabilities and tactics of the Special Forces unit has become increasingly important for those seeking to understand the group’s military strategy.
Origin and Evolution of Taliban’s Special Forces Unit
The Taliban’s Special Forces Unit, also known as the Red Unit or Danger Unit in Pashto as “Sara Kheta,” is the elite fighting force of the Taliban. It is said to have been formed in 2011 under the leadership of Mullah Mohammed Omar, the founder and spiritual leader of the Taliban.
According to the Combating Terrorism Center at the West Point military academy in the US, the Red Unit is a highly trained and well-equipped group of fighters who are responsible for carrying out complex and sophisticated attacks against Afghan and foreign military forces. They are known for their use of night-vision scopes, advanced weapons, and tactics that are designed to inflict maximum damage on their enemies.
The Red Unit has been responsible for some of the most deadly attacks against Afghan security forces in recent years. In 2017, they launched a series of attacks on the Afghan National Army’s 209th Corps in northern Afghanistan, killing over 140 soldiers. In 2018, they carried out a suicide attack on the headquarters of the Afghan National Directorate of Security in Kabul, killing at least 25 people.
The Red Unit’s origins can be traced back to the Taliban’s earlier years when they were fighting against the Northern Alliance and other groups in Afghanistan. At that time, Mullah Omar was known to have a close group of fighters who were highly skilled and loyal to him. These fighters were later incorporated into the Red Unit when it was formed in 2011.
Over the years, the Red Unit has evolved and expanded its capabilities. They have been known to recruit fighters from other Taliban units and have also been reported to have received training and support from foreign militant groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Haqqani Network.
The Red Unit’s success in carrying out deadly attacks against Afghan security forces has made them a key component of the Taliban’s military strategy. They are seen as a force multiplier that can inflict significant damage on the enemy while minimizing their own casualties. As the Taliban continues to gain ground in Afghanistan, the Red Unit is likely to play an increasingly important role in their military operations.
Structure and Leadership
The Taliban’s special forces unit, known as the “Red Unit,” is a highly trained and well-equipped group of fighters. The unit is led by Mullah Taqi, who is known for his tactical expertise and leadership skills. Taqi is a veteran of the Taliban’s insurgency and has been involved in numerous attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.
The Red Unit is part of the Taliban’s military hierarchy, which is overseen by the group’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. Akhundzada is the highest-ranking Taliban official and serves as the group’s spiritual and political leader. He is responsible for making strategic decisions and ensuring the group’s adherence to Islamic law.
The Red Unit is also closely affiliated with the Haqqani Network, a powerful Taliban faction that operates in eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan. The Haqqani Network is led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is also a key member of the Taliban’s leadership council. The network is known for its sophisticated attacks and is responsible for some of the deadliest bombings in Afghanistan.
The Red Unit’s structure is highly decentralized, with small teams operating independently across the country. The unit is divided into several sub-units, each with its own commander and area of responsibility. These sub-units are responsible for carrying out attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, as well as conducting assassinations and kidnappings.
Overall, the Red Unit is a formidable force that poses a significant threat to Afghan and coalition forces. Its leadership is highly experienced and well-connected, and its fighters are among the most skilled and motivated in the Taliban’s ranks. As the Taliban continues to gain ground in Afghanistan, the Red Unit is likely to play an increasingly important role in the group’s military operations.
Recruitment and Training
The Taliban’s special forces unit, known as the “Sara Kheta” or “Red Unit,” is highly selective in its recruitment process. Recruits are chosen based on their physical fitness, combat experience, and loyalty to the Taliban’s cause. They are often former Taliban fighters who have proven themselves in battle or have undergone rigorous training.
Training for the Red Unit is intense and rigorous, lasting several months. Recruits are trained in various combat techniques, including close-quarter combat, marksmanship, and explosives handling. The training is conducted in Pashto, the native language of many Taliban fighters, to ensure clear communication and understanding.
The Red Unit is known for its commando-style tactics, which are designed to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. They are trained to operate in small groups and carry out surprise attacks on Afghan security forces. The unit’s success is due in part to its ability to blend in with the local population, making it difficult for Afghan forces to identify and target them.
Overall, the Taliban’s Red Unit is a highly trained and disciplined force that poses a significant threat to Afghan security forces. Its recruitment and training processes are carefully designed to select only the most skilled and loyal fighters, ensuring that the unit remains a formidable force on the battlefield.
Operations and Tactics
The Taliban’s special forces unit, known as the “Red Unit,” is a highly trained and well-equipped group of shock troops responsible for carrying out some of the group’s most daring attacks and assassinations. According to military experts, the Red Unit is composed of an estimated 1,000 fighters who are recruited from the Taliban’s regular forces and undergo rigorous training in small unit tactics, marksmanship, and explosives.
The Red Unit is known for its use of unconventional tactics, such as infiltrating enemy lines and carrying out surprise attacks on military bases and checkpoints. They are also adept at using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers to target government officials and other high-value targets.
One of the Red Unit’s most successful operations was the attack on the Afghan National Army’s (ANA) 209th Corps in April 2017. In this attack, the Red Unit infiltrated the base disguised as ANA soldiers and launched a surprise attack that killed over 140 soldiers.
The Red Unit has also been responsible for carrying out a number of high-profile assassinations, including the killing of General Abdul Raziq, the powerful police chief of Kandahar province, in October 2018. The unit used a suicide bomber disguised as a journalist to carry out the attack.
In addition to its offensive operations, the Red Unit also plays a key role in the Taliban’s insurgency by providing support to other units and helping to coordinate attacks. The unit is also involved in counterterrorism operations, targeting foreign troops and intelligence agencies operating in Afghanistan.
Overall, the Red Unit is a formidable force that has proven to be a major thorn in the side of the Afghan government and its allies. With its expertise in unconventional warfare and its ability to carry out surprise attacks, the Red Unit is likely to remain a key player in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
Major Battles and Offensives
The Taliban’s special forces unit has been involved in several major battles and offensives in Afghanistan. These battles and offensives have been fought against Afghan government forces, NATO forces, and other armed groups in the country.
One of the earliest major battles fought by the Taliban’s special forces unit was the Battle of Badr in 2001. The battle was fought against the Northern Alliance, a coalition of Afghan groups opposed to the Taliban regime. The Taliban’s special forces played a key role in the battle and helped the Taliban to gain control of the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
Another major battle fought by the Taliban’s special forces was the Battle of Sangin in 2010. The battle was fought against British forces in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. The Taliban’s special forces used their expertise in guerrilla warfare to inflict heavy casualties on the British forces and eventually forced them to withdraw from the area.
In 2015, the Taliban’s special forces launched a major offensive in the province of Farah. The offensive was aimed at capturing the provincial capital and other key cities in the province. The Taliban’s special forces were able to capture several key cities, but were eventually repelled by Afghan government forces with the help of NATO air support.
The province of Helmand has been a major battleground for the Taliban’s special forces unit. In 2016, the unit launched a major offensive in the province, capturing several key cities and districts. The offensive was eventually repelled by Afghan government forces with the help of NATO air support.
In 2021, the Taliban’s special forces unit played a key role in the capture of the city of Kandahar. The city had been a stronghold of Afghan government forces and was a key target for the Taliban. The special forces unit used their expertise in guerrilla warfare to infiltrate the city and capture key government buildings and installations.
Overall, the Taliban’s special forces unit has been involved in several major battles and offensives in Afghanistan. Their expertise in guerrilla warfare and their knowledge of the terrain have made them a formidable force in the country.
The Red Unit and Badri 313
The Taliban’s special forces units, the Red Unit and Badri 313, have played a significant role in the group’s recent military successes. The Red Unit is known for its well-trained fighters and sophisticated tactics, while Badri 313 is reputed to be the Taliban’s elite commando unit.
Both units are equipped with modern weapons and equipment, including night vision gear, heavy machine guns, and M4 carbines. They are also known to use American-made weapons, which the Taliban has acquired over the years.
The Red Unit has been involved in several high-profile attacks, including the capture of Kunduz from Afghan government forces in 2021. One of its commanders, Mawlawi Mubarak, was killed in an airstrike during the Battle of Lashkargah.
Badri 313, on the other hand, gained worldwide attention after the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan by mocking the US military by copying the Iwo Jima flag raising. The unit is named after the battle of Badr 1,400 years ago, in which the Prophet Mohammed was victorious.
Badri 313 has been reported to have received training from the Haqqani network, Afghanistan’s most ruthless and feared militant group, which has carried out multiple suicide attacks on civilians. The unit is equipped with camouflage uniforms, combat helmets, body armor, and night-vision goggles, and operates Humvees of US origin.
Overall, both the Red Unit and Badri 313 are highly trained and well-equipped units that have played a crucial role in the Taliban’s recent military successes. Their use of modern weapons and equipment, including American-made weapons, has raised concerns among the international community about the group’s access to such technology.
Alliances and Rivalries
The Taliban’s special forces unit, known as the “Sara Kheta” or “Red Unit,” has gained notoriety for its commando-style tactics and deadly attacks on Afghan security forces. While the Taliban maintains a strict hierarchy, the group has formed alliances and rivalries with various entities over the years.
One of the Taliban’s most well-known alliances is with al-Qaeda, a militant group responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the United States. The two groups share a similar ideology and have cooperated on numerous occasions. However, the Taliban has publicly stated that it is not in league with any foreign terrorist organization.
The Taliban has also clashed with the Islamic State (ISIS), a rival militant group that has gained a foothold in Afghanistan in recent years. The two groups have engaged in fierce battles, with the Taliban accusing ISIS of trying to undermine its authority.
In addition to these militant groups, the Taliban has had a complicated relationship with various countries and organizations. The group has long been at odds with NATO troops, which have been stationed in Afghanistan since 2001. The Taliban has launched numerous attacks on NATO forces over the years, and the two sides remain locked in a protracted conflict.
Despite its conflicts with NATO, the Taliban has also had dealings with various countries in the region. The group has received support from Pakistan, which has long been accused of providing a safe haven for Taliban fighters. However, the Taliban has also had strained relations with Iran, which has accused the group of supporting Sunni extremist groups in the region.
Overall, the Taliban’s alliances and rivalries are complex and constantly evolving. While the group has maintained ties with various militant groups and countries over the years, its ultimate goal remains the establishment of an Islamic state in Afghanistan.
Role in Afghan Civil War
The Taliban’s special forces unit, known as the Badri 313 Brigade, has played a significant role in the ongoing Afghan civil war. The unit has been involved in several high-profile operations against Afghan forces, including the capture of Kunduz in 2015 and the brief takeover of the city of Ghazni in 2018.
The Badri 313 Brigade is known for its use of sophisticated tactics and equipment, including night vision goggles, drones, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The unit is believed to be responsible for a significant number of suicide bombings and targeted assassinations carried out against Afghan government officials and security forces.
Despite being heavily outnumbered by Afghan forces, the Badri 313 Brigade has managed to maintain a significant presence in several key provinces, including Helmand, Kandahar, and Nangarhar. The unit’s ability to operate effectively in these areas has been attributed to its knowledge of the local terrain and its ability to blend in with the local population.
The Afghan government has accused the Badri 313 Brigade of committing numerous human rights violations, including the execution of prisoners and the use of child soldiers. The Taliban has denied these allegations, stating that the unit operates within the bounds of Islamic law.
The role of the Badri 313 Brigade in the ongoing Afghan civil war is likely to remain significant, as the Taliban continues to gain ground against Afghan forces. However, the effectiveness of the unit may be limited by its reliance on foreign fighters and its lack of access to advanced military equipment.
Impact on Afghan Society
The Taliban’s special forces unit has had a significant impact on Afghan society. Civilians have been subjected to violence and intimidation, with reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced disappearances. Women have been particularly affected, with the Taliban imposing strict dress codes and restricting their access to education and employment. Schools and markets have also been targeted, with the Taliban seeking to undermine the government’s authority and impose their own rule.
Corruption has also been a major issue, with the Taliban using their control of local resources and infrastructure to extract bribes and extort money from businesses and individuals. This has had a devastating impact on the economy, with many people struggling to make ends meet and access basic services.
Despite these challenges, many Afghans have continued to resist the Taliban’s rule, with civil society groups and human rights activists working to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.