The Take Another Take: What will happen to Afghanistan’s CIA-backed militias?
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Dec 6, 2025 Emran Feroz, an investigative journalist focusing on Afghanistan and U.S. counterterrorism, dives deep into the legacy of CIA-backed militias in the region. He discusses his firsthand experiences in Khost, revealing the alarming power these groups wielded. Alongside Patricia Gossman from Human Rights Watch, they explore civilian deaths linked to night raids and the opaque command structures of these militias. Emran also projects potential futures for Afghanistan post-U.S. withdrawal, emphasizing the dangers of continued support for such unaccountable forces.
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Khost Visit Reveals Elite Militia
- Emran Feroz visited Khost in 2017 and immediately noticed a distinct, well-equipped militia presence called the Khost Protection Force (KPF).
- He observed they were better paid, fed, and trained than regular Afghan soldiers, which made them visibly different.
Night Raids Produce Civilian Harm
- CIA-backed strike forces carried out night raids that often targeted homes of alleged militants in rural areas.
- These operations frequently resulted in random civilian deaths and local claims of some U.S. presence.
Human Rights Watch Documents Grave Abuses
- Human Rights Watch concluded CIA-backed strike forces committed summary executions, disappearances, and attacks on health facilities.
- The CIA denied or downplayed many allegations and said it lacked time to investigate them fully.