The internal disruption resulted in the military’s collapse, wasting US and NATO’s spent of billions.
There was an unexpected withdrawal of the ANDSF. On the 15th of August 2021, the Taliban captured Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan. Soon after the retreat, this particular group gained territorial power which was surprising for the world.
The Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), along with Afghan police, Afghan Special Forces, and Afghan air force were the result of the US’s expenditure. The United States almost spent more than 83 billion dollars to train this entire staff. The unpredicted action wasted 20 years of money and effort.
15th August’s actions were shocking for the US Intelligence as well. Although the pace was unparalleled, the Taliban require months to gain authority over the country. However, for the emergency evacuation of Afghan citizens, Western countries are taking action by redistributing troops.
Western intelligence agencies and analysts were aware of the military situation in the past. Additionally, there were factors that resulted in this withdrawal. For instance, the displacement of food and funds before reaching the soldiers. Also, the indirect selling of soldiers’ equipment to the Taliban.
The concept of ‘ghost soldiers’ was raised. Such staff was not even the official part of the military. Instead, some chiefs betrayed by submitting fabricated fund requests. Meanwhile, the actual crew of ANDSF was left unpaid and prohibited from meeting their families.
ANDSF’s recruitment rate is 300 to 500 per month. Yet, the abandonment rate is 5000, depicting a huge surprise factor. The corruption within the ranks of the military was also the prime reason.
It was hard for unpaid army members to digest the extravagance of leadership. Hence, the soldiers started surrendering to the Taliban in demand of luxury.
Besides, the non-persistent and non-functional commandments also affected the performance of the soldiers. The reallocation of defence ministers and governors often distressed the harmony of command. Furthermore, Afghan troops lived under an environment of suspicion.
This doubt was directed towards the deal between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Moreover, ANDSF was never independent. It was reliant on NATO and US armed forces. The withdrawal of these troops was enough to weaken the abilities of ANDSF.
This exposure further led to the advancement and Taliban captured Kabul, following the incompetence of foreign military groups.
