Tag Archives: taliban

Technology

Zombie ‘Copter: How the Hind returned to Afghanistan, and why it won’t die

Video

The first time the Afghan military used the NATO-reporting-name Hind was during the Soviet occupation (1979-1989).  It was during that occupation that Mujaheddin on the receiving end of the Mi-24D nicknamed it Satan’s Chariot.  After the Soviets left, Afghanistan managed to operate a few Mi-24s (NATO reporting-name Hind-D), some sources say right up until the 2001 U.S. invasion.

Apparently the Mil 35 is the export version of the Mil 24V (NATO reporting-name Hind-E), and apparently there’s wasn’t much difference between the Soviet version and the export version.   However, don’t confuse a Mi-35 with the newer Mi-35M (prototype Mi-24VM).  Along with many internal upgrades the basic visual differences between Mi-24/25 (another ‘export’ designation)/35 and a true Mi-35M are the landing gear, wings and chin-gun.  The Mi-35M has fixed landing gear (apparently in an effort to reduce weight and keep production costs down), shorter span wings and a twin barreled 23mm chin-gun.

Kabul International Airport/Air Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Cecilio Ricardo, 02APR2007.

In December 2008, Czech Republic started deliveries of at least six refurbished Mi-24Vs (NATO Mi-35 Hind-E), along with several Mi-17s, to help build Afghanistan’s air power.

The push to build Afghan government controlled air power was seen as a way of reducing reliance on U.S./NATO forces, a way of avoiding getting stuck in a ‘Tar Baby’ the way the Soviets did in the 1980s.

U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sergeant Edward Gyokeres, 27MAY2009.

Live fire at East River Range Complex near Bagram Air Base, May 2009.

June 2009 video of Czech technicians training Afghans for live fire exercise:

According to the exalted Wikipedia, it states the Czech Hinds were “purchased” by Afghanistan and training was done by technicians from India. Wrong!  Here’s an official NATO report from July 2009:

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Thomas Dow, 09SEP2009.

2009, U.S. Air Force video report explaining what the plan is for the Afghan Hinds:

USAF photo by Airman Brian Ybarbo, 15DEC2009.

USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Manuel J. Martinez, 11MAY2010.

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Oshawn Jefferson, 15MAY2010.

Quick live fire video from June 2010:

USAF photo, 26JAN2011.

Photo by Vladimir Potapenko, 05MAR2011.

USA photo by Staff Sergeant Elvis Umanzor, 18SEP2013.

In 2014, it was revealed that the United States supplied Afghanistan with 30 Russian built new model Mi-17B-5 helicopters. But the affair with Russia ended over the shenanigans in Ukraine and Crimea.  U.S. officials instead pushed for U.S. made helicopters to be given to Afghanistan.

In a 2015 New York Times article an Afghan colonel criticized the U.S. for forcing Afghanistan to accept MD 530F scout helicopters (at U.S. taxpayer expense).  The colonel pointed out the MD 530Fs were easily shot down saying “This plane is a total mess”, and expressed a desire to get more Hinds.

In 2019, the arrogant U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) stated the Czech gifted “…Mi-35s were removed from the authorized fleet in 2015, but the Afghans continue to attempt to sustain them. DoD has advised them against doing so….”, and seemed perplexed at Afghan military leaders wanting a more reliable and survivable gunship like the Mi-24.

Sensing an opportunity to make points with the Afghan government, India gifted four refurbished Hinds (originally purchased from Belarus) between 2015 and the end of 2019.  The Indian Hinds were denoted as Mi-25s and Mi-24Vs by the Indian news media and even Jane’s Defence Weekly, U.S. news sources refer to the Indian gifted Hinds as Mi-35s.

Moral of the story is; if you want to make Afghans happy just give them more Satan’s Chariots!

Update, 11AUG2021, Taliban capture Mil 24V (Mil 35):

VEHICLE I-D: ZOMBIE TANK T-55, THEY’RE EVERYWHERE!

International, U.S.

World War 3: Afghan police and civilians killed in bombing, new “Taliban” actually from Central Asia

February 29, 2012, in northern Faryab Province, at least two Afghan police and three civilians were killed in an explosion.

Local officials blame “Taliban”, but so far no comment from Taliban sources (which is not normal, they usually claim responsibility right away, if they did it).

In January 2011, Afghan government forces claimed they gained control of Faryab Province.  Recently a report said that many of the insurgent “Taliban”, in northern Afghanistan, were actually people from Central Asian countries!

In Takhar Province, U.S./NATO/ISAF officials said the insurgent “Taliban” there were actually part of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan group.

On March 1, 2012, in Panjshir Province 13 Afghan police were wounded when a gas cylinder exploded.

International, U.S.

World War 3: Day 9 Afghan riots, Taliban killed attacking U.S. base, U.S. forces hit by car bomb, confusing reports

In eastern Nangarhar Province, at least six people, described as “Taliban” were killed when a U.S./NATO/ISAF base was attacked.

The governor of the province said the base was attacked by armed militants.  Taliban sources say ten troops of the U.S. led forces were killed.

In the southern province of Helmand, reports of a suicide car bomb ripping through a U.S./NATO/ISAF convoy.   However, other reports say the car bomb hit civilians only.  The Voice of America says local police officials said the bomber was attacking U.S. troops, but Chinese media said the same police official said only civilians were targeted.

So far, no “Taliban” source has commented on the suicide car bombing. Usually the Taliban are quick to claim responsibility for attacks they undertake, which indicates the suicide car bomb was not a “Taliban” attack.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Riots continue in Afghanistan, Taliban take advantage and go on Offensive, 20 Afghans killed, 2 U.S. troops killed, Obama makes empty apology

U.S. media reporting that an Afghan soldier has killed two U.S. troops, vengeance for the burning of dozens of Qur’ans.  It’s not the first, second or third time U.S. led forces have committed acts of desecration (in violation of the UCMJ) in Afghanistan.

At least 20 Afghans have been killed, as a direct result of the riots.  One of those killed was an Afghan government solider. It’s not clear if the soldier was taking part in suppressing the riots, or take part in the riots.

A militia/freedom fighter group (U.S. media calls all Afghan freedom fighters “Taliban”) issued a statement calling for all out attacks on all foreign troops and bases.  At one base U.S. forces were shot at, resulting in two U.S. troops injured.

U.S. President Barack Obama sent a written apology to Afghan President Karzai.  When you realize how many times the U.S. has apologized to Afghanistan, for killing civilians and acts of desecration, it becomes clear those apologies are hollow.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Iran, Afghanistan & Pakistan on verge of forming military pact, warns U.S. officials to stop making secret deals with the Taliban

On February 17, 2012, the presidents of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan vowed to create an alliance that would prevent anymore ‘foreign’ interventions in the region.

At a meeting held in Pakistan, President Hamid Karzai, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and President Asif Ali Zardari issued the statement to U.S. officials.  So far no response from U.S. officials.

They also told U.S. officials that only Afghanistan has final say in peace talks with Taliban: “Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan reiterated their full support for an Afghan led and Afghan owned inclusive process of peace and reconciliation. They assured the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that they would extend full cooperation and stressed that any initiative in this regard must have authentic Afghan ownership.”

The above statement was issued because they believe the United States is making secret deals with the Taliban!

Pakistan also pointed out, that despite criticism from the U.S., more Pakistanis have died than Americans in the so called War on Terror.  Pakistan claims 35,000 civilians and security personnel have died, in the name of helping the U.S., since the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan.

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Afghan & Pakistan Taliban joining forces, will jointly attack U.S./NATO forces

Despite reports from Reuters, stating that the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban are “at each other’s throats”, Japanese media are reporting that various ‘taliban’ groups have agreed to put aside differences to jointly target U.S. led forces.

Over the weekend representatives from Afghanistan’s and Pakistan’s Pashtun dominated Taliban (Mujahideen) groups met.  Japan’s NHK claims they talked with Mujahideen officials and were told they have decided to put aside their differences, and focus on fighting the U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Pakistani Mujahideen agreed to back off of attacking Pakistani government forces, and, beginning in March, will help their Afghan cousins focus their fight against the U.S.

They’ve established a 5 member council to help co-ordinate their efforts.  This news comes after reports that the Afghan Taliban have accepted an offer from U.S. President Obama, and the government of pro-U.S. Qatar, to open a diplomatic office in Qatar.

International, U.S.

World War 3: Taliban New Year’s Day offensive

The Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (aka Taliban) claim a list of attacks on U.S./NATO/ISAF forces on New Year’s Day.

First they claim to have launched at least nine missiles (unguided rockets) at Bagram air base, causing dozens of casualties.  They also claim a missile attack against Sahara Bagh airbase in Khost, with no casualties effected, and a missile attack on Kandahar airfield, claiming deadly results.     

 

 

In the province of Kandahar they claim they’ve been attacking U.S./NATO/ISAF forces relentlessly: Several vehicles destroyed by home made bombs, killing the occupants. Several foot patrols ambushed, at least three foreign troops killed.  Intense fighting in Maiwand district after foreign troops were brought in by helicopter and repelled by locals.

In the province of Helmand: At least two foreign vehicles blown up by home made bombs/mines, resulting in at least three killed and three wounded.  Taliban snipers kill several foreign troops.

The Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan also claim killing several “puppet” forces, meaning Afghan government military and police forces.


International, Technology, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. Bagram airbase hit by missile attack, excuse for war with Iran?

Taliban (Mujahideen) confirm missile attacks on Bagram.  The Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan states that Bagram air base has been attacked with missiles at least three times in the past 24 hours.  At least four missiles (unguided rockets?), from overnight attacks, landed within the base compound.  They claim attacks are continuing.

Breaking news reports out of Afghanistan say the Taliban hit the U.S. controlled Bagram air base with at least nine missiles.  Some reports say the attacks took place on New Year’s Eve (western Gregorian calender), as U.S. personnel were celebrating the coming New Year.

Some Afghan government officials say their sources confirm the attacks, but there are no casualties reported.

There’s been no clarification if the attacks were done with guided missiles, or unguided rockets.  Some Taliban sources say they were long range missiles.

Bagram is located in Parwan (aka Parvan) Province, in northwestern Afghanistan.  Ever since the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, Bagram has been the target of many attacks.

Reports say there are many casualties from the latest attacks.  Already there is internet chatter that this might be used by the United States to launch an all out war with Iran.  The U.S. government has ignorantly claimed that the Taliban are linked to Iran (it’s ignorant because the Taliban and the Iranian’s are mortal enemies). Also, all U.S. military bases in the Middle East are within range of Iran’s growing missile systems.

Also, on December 27, 2011, Taliban claimed they launched two missiles at Bagram, with no casualties effected.

International, U.S.

World War 3: Pakistan refuses to take part in Bonn Conference on Afghanistan Security, rejects NATO apology

“We do not accept NATO apology.  NATO was not chasing militants.”-Major General Athar Abbas, Pakistani army

Pakistan continues to move away from the United States, after a deadly U.S. led NATO/ISAF attack on Pakistani troops.  They are now boycotting the December 5 Bonn Conference on Afghanistan’s security.

Foreign Ministers from at least 90 countries (including Hillary Clinton) are expected to attend the Bonn Conference, to discuss key issues like the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan, and negotiations with the majority political party, and militant group, the Taliban.

Pakaistani army officials say the NATO/ISAF claim that they were shooting at militants is false because the area they attacked was 200 to 300 meters (about 984 feet) inside Pakistani territory, and, had already been cleared of militant activity.  Earlier reports from Pakistan claimed the attack took place a mile and a half inside Pakistani territory.