Increased Taliban Border Forces and Sanctions Challenges
The Taliban’s defense ministry has recently made significant changes to its border militias, increasing their numbers by 40 percent. As per the latest report from the ministry, there are now at least 15 brigades functioning under the name of border guards. During the republican period, only nine such brigades were active and well-equipped. Here are some key highlights based on official documents and oral information provided to Warsaw ( Afghanistan Green Trend Intelligence Unit )
Increased Border Forces
![Taliban and Pakistani security keep guard at Torkham border crossing as Afghans wait for the reopening of the border gate to enter Pakistan after Taliban’s takeover on September 19, 2021, in Torkham, Pakistan [Stringer/Anadolu Agency]](https://defenceafghanistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20210919_2_50091110_68891361-1024x577.webp)
Every Brigade (لیوا) now has seven battalions, with each battalion capped at 514 personnel. Each brigade, therefore, is comprise 3,598 men, although only about half of these positions are currently filled. The total number of Taliban border forces now stands at 53,970. Notably, 20 percent of these positions are allocated to the enjoining good section, with 10,794 graduates from religious schools(Madrassas), who lack military training, slated to join the brigades.
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Equipment and Sanctions
Vehicles and equipment for the brigades mimic the organization of the republican period. However, due to UN Security Council sanctions, the Taliban face significant challenges in repairing vehicles and maintaining equipment. A local businessman, fearing blacklisting and sanctions, withdrew from a contract to supply spare parts for Ranger vehicles. Additionally, Ranger, which supplied vehicles and projects from Thailand during the republican period, has refused to renew its contract with the Taliban.
