Taliban's strength is guerrilla warfare... taught a lesson to Russia and the US, now Pakistan
The article discusses the ongoing guerrilla warfare between the Taliban and Pakistan, highlighting the historical context of the Taliban's previous victories against larger armies.
The article outlines the current conflict between the Taliban and Pakistan, characterizing it as a guerrilla war marked by sudden attacks, ambushes, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Taliban has demonstrated its tactical advantage by leveraging guerrilla tactics, which has made it challenging for larger military forces like that of Pakistan to engage effectively. Over the past week, these tactics have led to a series of violent engagements under the cover of darkness, resulting in significant operational challenges for the Pakistani military, which has retaliated with airstrikes.
Moreover, the article provides a historical perspective, recalling how the Taliban's predecessors, the Mujahideen, utilized similar guerrilla warfare strategies to repel the Soviet Union's military presence in Afghanistan throughout the 1980s. It notes that the Soviet military, despite its size and technological superiority, was ultimately forced to withdraw after a decade of conflict due to the persistent guerrilla tactics employed by local fighters, demonstrating the effectiveness of such warfare against conventional forces.
Furthermore, the article draws parallels between past and present, indicating how the Taliban has applied lessons learned from past confrontations with both Russia and the United States. The resurgence of these tactics in the current context against Pakistan illustrates the Taliban's enduring resilience and ability to adapt to asymmetric warfare, reinforcing their role as a formidable force within the region.