Unveiling the Afghan Military ID: Insights into the Kandahar Strike Force and Zero Units
An Afghan military ID badge has surfaced online, allegedly showing the suspect involved in the shooting of National Guard members. The badge indicates that the suspect was part of the "Kandahar Strike Force" or "03" unit, which was one of the "Zero Units" that collaborated closely with U.S. and other foreign forces during the Afghan war. Additionally, the badge mentions "Firebase Gecko," a base used by the CIA and special forces in Kandahar, located within the former compound of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar.
The authenticity of the ID badge has not been independently verified by CBS News, but CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the suspect had previous experience working with the U.S. Government, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar. The "Zero Units" were Afghan national groups operating under the National Directorate of Security (NDS), an intelligence agency established with CIA support for Afghanistan's previous government.
A former senior Afghan general revealed that the "03" unit, also known as The Kandahar Strike Force (KSF), was under the special forces directorate of NDS and received training and equipment from the CIA. These units were known for their secrecy and alleged brutality, often implicated in extrajudicial killings during night raids. Despite this, they were considered trustworthy by the U.S. and its international allies in Afghanistan.
The suspect's affiliation with a Zero Unit could have provided a pathway to asylum in the U.S. due to the high risk of Taliban retaliation against members of these elite units after the group regained control of Afghanistan. Many members of these units played crucial roles in the evacuation from Kabul in August 2021, securing spots on flights for themselves and their families out of the country.
In conclusion, the suspect's connection to the Zero Unit sheds light on the complex dynamics of Afghan military forces and their collaboration with international partners during the war. The implications of this affiliation, particularly in the context of asylum and security concerns, highlight the challenges faced by individuals involved in such units.