Taliban Leader Forms 8,000-Strong Unit for Security on Pakistan Border

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is forming an 8,000-strong special unit for security along the border with Pakistan. The unit will operate directly under his command, separate from the regular security ministries.

The force is being assembled with fighters primarily from the provinces of Kandahar, Uruzgan, and Helmand. Members are required to hold at least officer rank and will receive higher salaries and privileges compared to regular forces.

Registration is currently underway for 4,000 members assigned to the 3rd Brigade in Zhari district of Kandahar. An additional 4,000 fighters are in Kabul for registration and organization.

The special unit is expected to be equipped with advanced weapons and equipment of US origin, including night vision devices, vehicles, helicopters, and drones. Specialized training will focus on border patrol, anti-smuggling efforts, surveillance, and operations involving drones and GPS technology.

The move comes as tensions have risen between the Taliban and Pakistan. It follows recent Taliban drone strikes in Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions, which were claimed to target ISIS, as well as prior Pakistani strikes in Afghan provinces such as Kunar, Khost, and Paktia.

The unit is tasked with security, oversight, and command decisions along the Durand Line, including authority over war or ceasefire matters.