Afghan Biographies
Taliban Special Forces Red Unit
Name | Taliban Special Forces Red Unit |
Ethnic backgr. | |
Date of birth | |
Function/Grade | Background |
History and Biodata |
Red Group commander:
The commander Mullah Shah Wali, aka Mullah Naser Haji Nasir, of the Taliban's special forces branch, known as the Red Unit, was killed Dec 1, 2017 in Helmand province in an air operation. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said was killed in an air operation in Helmand. Wali became the commander of the Taliban's Red Unit as well as deputy shadow governor of Helmand province three years ago and was directly involved in Taliban offensives. The Red Unit is thought to be equipped with advanced weapons, including night vision scopes, 82mm rockets, heavy machine guns and US-made assault rifles, according to the Afghan military.(20171203) Wali was killed alongside a suicide bomber and two other Taliban commanders in Helmand's Musa Qala district, according to the NDS. The United States has worked hard to build up Afghan air support and attack capabilities since they were found inadequate after most foreign forces withdrew three years ago.(20171203)
According to Taliban sources, the special task force aka Red Group Red Unit, part of the Taliban's special forces command, was set up in early October 2015 and has more than 1,000 fighters - better equipped and trained than regular Taliban and with the sole aim of crushing IS. Special ops teams are handpicked for their fighting skills and experience and are active in all provinces where IS has a current or potential presence - including Nangarhar, Farah, Helmand and Zabul. But Taliban special forces will deploy anywhere against IS, leaving other Taliban to fight Afghan and foreign troops.(20151218)
|
Last Modified | 2019-06-13 |
Established | 2017-06-09 |