The Deployment Question: Cyberspace Operations And Afghanistan Theater

The war in Afghanistan has entered the cyberspace domain, with the Taliban employing tech-savvy tactics in their communications strategy. This includes the use of websites, mobile phone text messages, emails, and social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to spread their propaganda and promote attacks. While the Taliban's media presence was previously non-existent, they have adapted to fighting a war on multiple fronts, including the digital front. This shift has raised concerns about the security of digital communications, with incidents of hacking and cyber-attacks occurring during the conflict. As such, the role of Cyber Operations Specialists (MOS 17C) in the U.S. Army has become increasingly important to safeguard intelligence and information in the digital domain. These specialists are responsible for conducting both defensive and offensive cyber operations to protect data, networks, and designated systems while also targeting enemy network systems.

The role of a Cyber Warfare Officer in the US Army

Cyber Warfare Officers in the US Army are responsible for carrying out cyber security operations by targeting enemy or hostile adversary activities and capabilities. They command crews in the use of cyber warfare and oversee mission planning, preparation, and crew training to ensure operational readiness.

Cyber Warfare Officers may work in offices or in command and control centers on land or aboard ships. They operate weapons systems and direct crews in the use of these systems. They also oversee both offensive and defensive cyberspace operations in support of the full range of military programs. Offensive operations involve the application of computer capabilities to target the capabilities of enemies and hostile adversaries. Defensive operations involve protecting data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems.

To become a Cyber Warfare Officer, you must be a US citizen, have a four-year college degree, be eligible for a Top Secret Security Clearance, and be medically and physically fit.

The US Army also offers a Cyber Direct Commissioning Program, which provides an opportunity for professionals with cyber-focused technical skills and talents to be directly appointed into the Army’s Cyber Corps. This program is open to qualified civilians who meet certain requirements and are not currently serving in the military.

The Taliban's use of technology to spread propaganda and coordinate attacks

The Taliban has been using technology to spread propaganda and coordinate attacks. They have been using mobile phones, websites, social media platforms, and messaging apps to their advantage.

Mobile Phones

The Taliban has been using mobile phones to send video and text messages to Afghans to deter them from supporting the Afghan government or joining the security forces. They also use mobile phones to project their authority in the south and east by imposing night-time bans on mobile services.

Websites

The Taliban has a website that they use to spread propaganda and coordinate attacks. The website includes religious chants, sermons, and content in support of jihad, martyrdom, the veil, and the ban on music.

Social Media Platforms

The Taliban has a sophisticated social media presence on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram. They use these platforms to spread propaganda, coordinate attacks, and govern. They have also been using spam and fake accounts to amplify their messages and create a sense of inevitability.

Messaging Apps

The Taliban uses encrypted messaging apps such as Signal and Telegram to communicate securely and coordinate attacks.

The Taliban's use of technology has allowed them to fight a war in cyberspace and effectively spread their message to a large audience. They have become experts at wielding advanced communication technologies to build political momentum and make a public case for their leadership.

The evacuation of Afghanistan by NATO and partner countries

NATO and its partner countries' evacuation of Afghanistan was one of the largest evacuation missions in the organisation's history. Over the course of two weeks, more than 120,000 people were flown out of Kabul airport on hundreds of Allied flights. The evacuation was carried out following the collapse of the Afghan government and the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in August 2021.

The evacuation was a joint effort by several NATO Allies. Troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Norway played a key role in securing the airport and operating a field hospital. Around 800 NATO civilian staff remained to provide key functions, including air traffic control, fuel, and communications. Several other NATO Allies sent in planes to build an air bridge and help with the evacuation efforts.

The evacuation was not without challenges. There was a sense among European allies that the US was too slow in drawing up a comprehensive evacuation plan for Western nationals and Afghan civilians who had worked with the alliance and were at risk of retaliation from the Taliban. The evacuations started after most troops had left Afghanistan, meaning that NATO countries had to suddenly send troops back to Kabul to organise the flights out of the country. This improvisation led to scenes of chaos during several days at Kabul International Airport.

Despite these challenges, the evacuation was a success. Thanks to the Allies' joint efforts, around 2,000 Afghans who worked with NATO and their families were evacuated from Kabul. NATO Allies and partners continue to work together to help evacuated Afghans start a new life. Over the last weeks and months, several hundred former Afghan employees and their families have been resettled in Allied countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and North Macedonia.

The role of the US-backed Afghan forces in the war in Afghanistan

The US-backed Afghan forces played a crucial role in the war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 following the September 11 attacks. Here is an overview of their role:

Phase 1: Toppling the Taliban

The first phase of the war involved overthrowing the Taliban regime, which provided sanctuary to al-Qaeda, the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks. This phase was brief, lasting just two months. US-backed Afghan forces, including the Northern Alliance and anti-Taliban Pashtuns, played a key role in this effort, working alongside US and British special forces. They provided crucial support in the form of intelligence, equipment, and coordination with the US-led air campaign, which began on October 7, 2001. By December 2001, the Taliban regime had collapsed, and anti-Taliban figures formed an interim government led by Hamid Karzai.

Phase 2: Defeating the Taliban and Rebuilding

The second phase, from 2002 to 2008, focused on defeating the Taliban militarily and rebuilding Afghanistan's core institutions. US-backed Afghan forces, particularly the Afghan National Army and Police, received significant training, equipment, and funding from the US and its allies. However, this phase was marked by a lack of coordination, insufficient training, and the misuse of funds, which hindered the effectiveness of the Afghan forces.

Phase 3: Counterinsurgency

The third phase began in 2008 and intensified with President Barack Obama's decision to increase US troop presence in Afghanistan. The strategy shifted to protecting the population from Taliban attacks and reintegrating insurgents. However, this approach faced challenges due to high insurgent attacks, civilian casualties, and ill-prepared Afghan security forces.

Withdrawal and Taliban Takeover

Despite the efforts of US-backed Afghan forces, the war ultimately ended with the withdrawal of US and NATO troops in 2021 and the Taliban's recapture of Afghanistan. The Afghan government and security forces collapsed, leading to the Taliban's takeover of the country.

The future of Afghanistan and its relationship with NATO

The future of Afghanistan is uncertain, with the country now under Taliban rule. The Taliban's governance partnership with the Haqqani network has reinforced Afghanistan's international isolation, and the country has been plunged into chaos marked by a collapsed economy and a grave humanitarian crisis.

The future relationship between Afghanistan and NATO is also uncertain. NATO has suspended all support to Afghanistan and withdrawn all troops. Any future Afghan government must adhere to Afghanistan’s international obligations; safeguard the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities; uphold the rule of law; allow unhindered humanitarian access; and ensure that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.

NATO's focus is now on evacuating personnel from Allied and partner countries, as well as vulnerable Afghan citizens. NATO has stated that it will continue to support a stable and peaceful Afghanistan and hold the new rulers accountable for living up to fundamental human rights. However, it is unlikely that NATO will have an official presence in Afghanistan in the near future.

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