Two Afghan Commandos Killed in Battle Against Taliban
In a tragic turn of events, two Afghan commandos who had spent their lives dedicated to fighting for their country were killed in a battle against the Taliban. Akmal Amir, 33, and Basir Andarabi, 35, had fled their country when the Taliban seized power in August 2021 but returned last spring in a desperate attempt to retake their homeland.
Both men grew up in northeastern Afghanistan and dreamt of becoming soldiers for the U.S.-backed government. Andarabi, coming from one of the poorest families in their district, saw the military as a way to rise above the inequalities of Afghan society. He quickly rose through the ranks and became known for his dedication to his men and his outspokenness against corruption within the government.
Amir, on the other hand, kept his desire to join the military a secret from his parents and applied to a military academy instead of pursuing an engineering program at a university. He also excelled in his military career, inspiring his troops with his humility and eloquence.
When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, both men were devastated but determined to continue the fight. Andarabi led the defense of his hometown and even rallied hundreds of people to join the battle. However, he was severely injured in the eye during the fighting and had to be sent to India for medical treatment.
While Andarabi was recovering in the hospital, he received desperate messages from people in his hometown begging for his help against the Taliban. These pleas only fueled his determination to return and continue the fight. Meanwhile, Amir volunteered to fight in Helmand Province and later returned to his hometown in Kapisa Province before finally making his way to Panjshir Province, the last holdout against the Taliban.
In a surprising twist, the two men eventually connected in Iran, where they had sought refuge after fleeing Afghanistan. They bonded over their shared goal of liberating their homeland and joined an armed resistance group. However, the group faced various challenges, including a lack of weapons and supplies, limited funding, and leadership turmoil.
Undeterred, Amir and Andarabi returned to Afghanistan in the spring of this year. They disguised themselves and made their way to a hideout near the Salang Pass to coordinate a spring offensive with other rebel teams. Unfortunately, their whereabouts were betrayed to the Taliban, and a fierce battle ensued. The Taliban ultimately overpowered the resistance fighters, resulting in the deaths of Amir and Andarabi.
Their deaths serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices made by Afghan soldiers and the uphill battle they face against the Taliban. The two men fought with unwavering dedication and refused to accept defeat, even in the face of impossible odds. Their bravery and commitment will be remembered as their country continues to grapple with an uncertain future under Taliban rule.