The Human Cost Of War: Afghanistan's Fallen Soldiers

The War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) claimed the lives of thousands of Afghan soldiers and policemen. By mid-October 2009, it was confirmed that over 5,500 soldiers and policemen had been killed since the start of the war. This number was updated to 13,729 by early March 2014, with another 16,511 wounded. The casualty figures of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces became classified information in 2017. However, according to declassified figures, an estimated 7,000 Afghan security forces were killed in 2019 alone. The final weeks of fighting against the Taliban were particularly deadly, with Afghanistan's former army chief of staff, Gen. Yasin Zia, reporting that about 4,000 members of the country's security forces died and another 1,000 went missing between July 1 and August 15, 2021. Overall, estimates of the total number of Afghan security forces killed during the 20-year conflict range from 66,000 to 69,000.

An estimated 66,000-69,000 Afghan security forces died in the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)

The War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) was the longest war in US military history, surpassing the Vietnam War. It was a response to the September 11 attacks, with the US-led coalition declaring Operation Enduring Freedom as part of the war on terror. The conflict ended with the Taliban offensive in 2021, which overthrew the Islamic Republic and re-established the Islamic Emirate.

The war resulted in an estimated 176,000-212,000+ deaths, including 46,319 civilians. The death toll is likely higher due to unaccounted deaths caused by the war's impact on food access, water, infrastructure, and healthcare. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program put the number at 212,191.

An estimated 66,000-69,000 Afghan security forces died in the War in Afghanistan. This figure was provided by Neta C. Crawford, a Professor of Political Science at Boston University and Co-Director of the Costs of War Project. The estimate includes 14,200 policemen and 7,750 soldiers. Afghan general Sami Sadat confirmed 66,000 troops were killed.

The war's casualty figures became classified information in 2017. However, former Afghan army chief of staff, Gen. Yasin Zia, revealed that from July 1 to August 15, 4,0000 members of the security forces died, with 1,000 missing. This period was among the deadliest for Afghan security forces.

The Afghan government made efforts to conceal the extent of casualties as the Taliban seized territory. The systems for reporting deaths disintegrated, and local officials stopped recording numbers. The bodies of Afghan troops were left on roadsides, outside security compounds, and beside checkpoints.

The war's impact extended beyond direct deaths, with 92% of Afghanistan's population facing food insecurity. The conflict also exacerbated issues like malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of healthcare access.

The last days of the war, from July 1 to August 15, were particularly deadly, with 4,000 troops killed

The last phase of the war in Afghanistan was particularly deadly for Afghan security forces, with 4,000 troops killed between July 1 and August 15.

The war in Afghanistan lasted from October 2001 to August 2021. The US war in Afghanistan has destroyed lives and caused a breakdown of the economy, public health, security, and infrastructure. The war has also led to a massive increase in civilian casualties. The CIA has armed and funded Afghan militia groups, which have been responsible for serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings of civilians.

The last days of the war were marked by a significant escalation of violence, with the Taliban laying siege to several provincial capitals. During the first five days of August, at least 115 Afghan security forces were killed, along with 58 civilians. The deadliest incident occurred in Nimruz Province, where the Taliban attacked and killed 30 security forces, including the police chief and six other surrendering officers. The Taliban's campaign resulted in the fall of several provincial capitals and control over more than half of the country's districts.

The Afghan War Casualty Report for July 2021 recorded at least 335 Afghan security force deaths and 189 civilian casualties. The high number of casualties continued into August, with at least 115 security forces and 58 civilians killed in the first five days of the month. The rapid advancement of the Taliban and the intense fighting during the last days of the war resulted in a heavy toll on Afghan troops, with an estimated 4,000 losing their lives between July 1 and August 15.

Insurgent attacks, including IEDs, suicide bombers, and ambushes, were a leading cause of death

The Taliban employed a range of tactics in their attacks, including the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and ambushes. These tactics had devastating effects, with IEDs alone causing the deaths of hundreds of foreign soldiers and countless more injuries.

One particularly deadly insurgent attack occurred in January 2019 when Taliban fighters attacked a military compound in Maidan Wardak province. They rammed a Humvee full of explosives into a training centre, followed by gunfire, resulting in a high death toll. This attack highlighted the heavy pressure facing Afghan security forces as Taliban fighters became increasingly confident and bold in their operations.

The Taliban's tactics also included targeted killings and ambushes of Afghan security forces, police, and government officials. They frequently utilised suicide bombers and IEDs, taking advantage of the element of surprise and the deadly nature of these weapons. The use of IEDs increased significantly over the years, with a 120% rise in attacks from 2008 to 2009.

In addition to direct attacks, the Taliban also employed intimidation and psychological tactics. They frequently targeted checkpoints, police headquarters, and other symbols of government authority. They also engaged in targeted killings of specific individuals, such as the assassination of Ahmad Shah, a local Taliban leader in Kunar Province, by US Navy SEALs.

The Taliban's ability to conduct insurgent attacks was often facilitated by support from external sources, particularly Pakistan. Elements of the Pakistani government, military, and intelligence services provided logistical and tactical support to the Taliban, including safe havens and financial aid. This support contributed to the Taliban's ability to sustain their insurgency campaign and carry out deadly attacks.

The impact of insurgent attacks extended beyond the immediate casualties, as they also disrupted government operations, damaged infrastructure, and spread fear among the population. The Afghan government struggled to maintain control and protect its citizens, leading to a sense of insecurity and instability in the country.

The frequency and lethality of insurgent attacks underscored the Taliban's determination and ability to wage a prolonged insurgency campaign. These attacks were a significant factor in the overall death toll of Afghan security forces, contributing to the tragic loss of life throughout the conflict.

Afghan security forces faced difficulties in tallying casualties as the Taliban seized territory

In the weeks leading up to the fall of Kabul, local officials ceased recording the number of killed and wounded. Unlike in earlier phases of the conflict, when fallen government forces were gathered at morgues or carried to military hospitals to be counted, systems for reporting the dead disintegrated as the militants closed in on Afghan provincial capitals.

In Kunduz, the bodies of Afghan troops were left along roadsides, outside security compounds, and beside checkpoints.

The chaos that accompanied the Taliban's sweep to power in Afghanistan left 1,000 members of the security forces unaccounted for and their families without answers about what happened to their sons, fathers, and brothers.

The war in Afghanistan also resulted in high suicide rates among post-9/11 US war service members

The War in Afghanistan has resulted in a high number of casualties. By the end of 2019, the number of US troops who died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq had surpassed 7,000. In addition, an estimated 177,000 national military and police from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria have perished.

The war has also taken a significant toll on the mental health of those who served. Suicide rates among active military personnel and veterans of the post-9/11 wars are reaching new peaks, with at least four times as many active-duty personnel and war veterans dying by suicide than in combat. As of November 2019, over 30,000 US service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars have died by suicide. This alarming trend is attributed to various factors, including the inherent risks of warfare, such as trauma, stress, military culture, continued access to firearms, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.

Furthermore, the post-9/11 era has introduced unique factors that contribute to the high suicide rate. One significant factor is the increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which has led to a rise in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Modern medical advances have allowed service members to survive these injuries and return to the front lines, resulting in multiple deployments and prolonged exposure to traumatic situations. The length of the war, which has spanned over two decades, has also played a role, keeping service members in combat for extended periods and contributing to a growing sense of disapproval and ignorance among the public.

The mental health crisis among post-9/11 war service members is a critical issue that requires attention and action from the US government and society. Unless significant changes are made to address the mental health needs of those who have served, the suicide rate will continue to climb, exacting a devastating toll on those who have sacrificed so much in service to their country.

Frequently asked questions