The Enduring Legacy Of Gurkhas In Afghanistan's Conflict

Gurkhas are soldiers from Nepal known for their exceptional bravery, ability, and heroism in the face of insurmountable odds. They have served in the Nepalese Army, as well as in the British and Indian armies, since the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816. Historically, Gurkha soldiers have played a key role in Anglo-Afghan relations, with their involvement dating back to the First Anglo-Afghan War in 1839.

In recent times, Gurkhas have continued to be involved in conflicts in Afghanistan. In 2001, following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, an international coalition was formed to deploy to Afghanistan to destroy Al-Qaeda and the Taliban government. Gurkha soldiers were a part of this coalition and were involved in all recent operations in Afghanistan until the conclusion of Operation HERRICK in 2014.

Today, units of the Brigade of Gurkhas continue to be involved in Afghanistan as part of Operation TORAL, delivering training and support to Afghan security forces. Additionally, many former Gurkha soldiers from Nepal have served as private security guards in Afghanistan, protecting officials, diplomats, and companies. However, their contributions are often forgotten, and they face challenges such as human trafficking and unsafe working conditions.

The bravery and dedication of Gurkhas, both past and present, in Afghanistan are commendable, and their role has been crucial in various conflicts and peacekeeping efforts.

Gurkhas have been involved in conflicts in Afghanistan since the 1840s

Gurkha soldiers have been involved in conflicts in Afghanistan since the 1840s. Their involvement dates back to the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842), when the British attempted to replace Afghanistan's ruler, Dost Mohammed Khan, with the more controllable Shah Shuja. To preserve Shah Shuja's legitimacy, British commanders allowed him to raise his own units, including the 4th (Goorkha) Regiment of Infantry, Shah Shooja's Contingent, composed of Gurkhas.

The initial invasion succeeded, but discontent grew, and the British were forced to withdraw from Kabul with significant losses. The 4th (Goorkha) Regiment suffered heavily during the withdrawal and was not re-raised, though some survivors rejoined British Gurkha units. This marked the beginning of Gurkhas' long history of involvement in Anglo-Afghan relations, including three Anglo-Afghan Wars and numerous smaller operations, expeditions, skirmishes, and conflicts.

During the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880), Gurkhas saw service at key battles such as Ali Masjid and Peiwar Kotal, where the 5th Gurkhas took the Peiwar Heights. They also participated in the climactic Battle of Kandahar in September 1880, which led to a political settlement lasting nearly 40 years.

In the Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919), the short-lived 11th Gurkha Rifles gained renown by leading the drive to push Afghan forces back into Afghanistan. The Afghan regime quickly sued for peace in the face of British military might.

Gurkhas continued to play a crucial role in keeping the peace in the border region between India and Afghanistan, known as the North-West Frontier, until the departure of the British from India in 1947.

In more recent times, Gurkhas have been involved in operations in Afghanistan following the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. As part of the international coalition's "War on Terror," Gurkha soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan to combat Al-Qaeda and the Taliban government. They were also involved in the 2003 invasion of Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein.

In 2006, Gurkha soldiers were redeployed to Afghanistan in greater numbers than they had been since the 1960s to combat the insurgency that had emerged against the coalition forces. The 1st Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles was sent to Afghanistan, and Gurkha troops from across the Brigade were involved in operations until the conclusion of Operation HERRICK in 2014.

Even today, units of the Brigade of Gurkhas continue their involvement in Afghanistan as part of Operation TORAL, delivering training and support to Afghan security forces.

In addition to their military roles, Gurkhas from Nepal have also served as private security guards in Afghanistan, protecting officials, diplomats, and companies. These security personnel often work under dangerous conditions and have been targeted by the Taliban. Their contributions are often little-known and forgotten, despite their bravery and service in protecting embassies and other facilities.

Gurkhas are soldiers from Nepal who serve in the Nepalese, British and Indian armies

Gurkhas are soldiers from Nepal who serve in the Nepalese, British, and Indian armies. They are known for their exceptional bravery, ability, and heroism in the face of insurmountable odds. Their reputation as elite, fearless warriors is such that it is said to be the single reason no one goes to war with Nepal.

The Gurkhas' history as part of the British Army goes back almost 200 years, to the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1816. The British were so impressed by the Gurkhas' military prowess that they began recruiting them into the Crown's military. Since then, the Gurkhas have loyally fought for the British all over the world, earning 13 Victoria Crosses between them.

The Gurkhas also fought for the Indian Army during the British Raj, and upon Indian independence in 1947, six regiments joined the Indian Army. In the 21st century, several thousand Gurkha soldiers continue to serve in the British Army, while tens of thousands serve in the Indian Army.

In addition to their service in the Nepalese, British, and Indian armies, Gurkhas have also served as private security guards in war-torn Afghanistan, protecting officials, diplomats, and companies.

Gurkhas are known for their exceptional bravery and heroism in the face of danger

One notable example of Gurkha bravery is the story of Sergeant Dipprasad Pun, who single-handedly held his post against more than 30 Taliban fighters in Afghanistan in 2010. Armed with a machine gun, a rifle, hand grenades, and a Claymore mine, Pun fought off the insurgents, killing several of them and preventing his post from being overrun. For his bravery, he was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, the second-highest British military decoration.

Another example of Gurkha heroism is the story of Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung, who, in 1945, took on over 200 Japanese fighters single-handedly. Despite suffering massive injuries, including losing his fingers and having his face, body, and right arm and leg badly wounded, Gurung managed to kill 31 Japanese soldiers. For his bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain's highest military honour.

The Gurkhas' bravery extends beyond the battlefield as well. In recent years, they have served as private security guards in Afghanistan, protecting officials, diplomats, and companies. This crucial but little-known role has often put them in harm's way, with some Gurkha guards being killed or injured in attacks by the Taliban.

The Gurkhas' motto, "better to die than be a coward," sums up their fearless attitude in the face of danger. Their exceptional bravery and heroism have earned them a reputation as some of the fiercest and most skilled warriors in the world.

In 2016, 13 Nepalis were killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan

In June 2016, a suicide bomber killed 13 Nepalis and injured several others in an attack on a minibus in Kabul, Afghanistan. The bus was carrying Nepali security guards working for the Canadian embassy and was less than 700 feet from their dormitory when the attack occurred. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which was part of a string of bombings across Afghanistan that killed a total of 25 people.

The suicide bombing in Kabul highlighted the crucial yet little-known role that Nepali security personnel played in protecting officials, diplomats, and companies in Afghanistan. Many of these security guards were ethnic Gurkhas who had served in the Nepali, Indian, or British military. They were hired by private contractors, often under conditions that drew protests from labor activists. Despite the dangers and poor working conditions, security jobs in Afghanistan were appealing to many Nepalis due to the poverty in their home country.

The attack had far-reaching consequences, with Nepal attempting to evacuate its citizens from Afghanistan and the Taliban reportedly tracking those who worked with Western countries. The incident also brought attention to the issue of human trafficking, with some of the Nepali guards having been victims of traffickers who promised them jobs in foreign embassies.

The 13 Nepalis who lost their lives in the 2016 Kabul suicide bombing were among the many casualties of the conflict in Afghanistan, where Gurkhas have played a significant role since the 1800s.

Gurkhas are involved in delivering training and support to Afghan security forces

Gurkhas have been involved in conflicts in Afghanistan since the 1840s and have participated in all recent operations in the country. They have been delivering training and support to Afghan security forces as part of Operation TORAL, the successor operation to Operation HERRICK, which concluded in 2014.

Gurkhas from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2016 as part of the UK's enduring support for the Afghan government. Their mission was to protect NATO military and civilian advisers working in government ministries and UK advisers based at the Afghan National Army Officers' Academy. The Gurkhas were tasked with providing force protection to NATO advisers helping to develop the Afghan Army and Government. They also protected the mentors when they went out to support training or attend meetings.

In addition to their protective role, the Gurkhas have been actively involved in training new elite Afghan police teams known as Provincial Response Companies (PRCs). The PRCs are specially trained Afghan tactical units responsible for handling specific incidents in various parts of Helmand Province. The recruits first complete eight weeks of training at the Regional Training Centre (South West) in Lashkar Gah, which is run by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, alongside the Royal Military Police and Ministry of Defence Police.

The Gurkhas, along with AUP instructors, provide further intensive training to the top graduates selected to join the PRCs. They teach skills such as quick reaction force tactics, improvised explosive device detection, marksmanship, and close-quarters battle techniques. By equipping the PRCs with these capabilities, the Gurkhas are contributing to enhancing the policing capabilities in Helmand Province and supporting the independence of the Afghan police in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the country.

Frequently asked questions