Afghanistan descends into chaos after Western forces withdraw
The Afghan Air Force currently has 23 operational A-29 Super Tucanos. (US DoD)
Afghanistan is plunging into turbulence as Taliban units sweep across whole districts, capturing key towns across the country. This Taliban resurgence leaves the country teetering on the edge of anarchy.
The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) have been overwhelmed since the Taliban launched its offensive in May. The campaign started gradually, picking up momentum from June onwards.
The spectre of Afghanistan returning to pre-2001 days, when the Taliban ruled with an iron fist, is now not inconceivable.
The Taliban’s success was precipitated by President Joe Biden’s announcement on 14 April that he was withdrawing 8,600 remaining US troops
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain
Patria OPTIME is a sustainment concept that integrates MRO and lifecycle services into one solution, powered by the ILIAS digital defence platform
-
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
-
“Capital follows confidence” as defence courts private money
Outside investment and the direction in which venture money flows may reveal what defence will buy years before formal programmes begin.