An ID badge circulating online this week appears to show a suspect linked to a shooting involving National Guard members. The badge indicates he was part of the “Kandahar Strike Force,” a unit known as a “Zero Unit.” These units were closely aligned with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan war.
One notable detail on the badge is the mention of “Firebase Gecko.” This was a site used by the CIA and special forces in Kandahar, located in the former compound of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar.
While CBS News hasn’t verified the badge’s authenticity, CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the suspect previously worked with the U.S. government as a member of a partner force in Kandahar.
Zero Units were composed entirely of Afghan nationals and operated under Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS), which was supported by the CIA. A former senior Afghan general stated that the Kandahar Strike Force was one of the most effective units, having received CIA training and equipment. All their missions fell under CIA command.
These units were known for their covert operations and a reputation for brutality, being involved in many controversial night raids that led to civilian casualties. Despite this, they were regarded as some of the most reliable forces by the U.S. and its allies.
The current Taliban government has yet to respond to the arrest, reflecting the ongoing tension in Afghanistan. Members of these elite units were at high risk for retaliation from the Taliban following its comeback to power. Many participated in the August 2021 evacuation from Kabul, securing promises of asylum for themselves and their families.
According to recent surveys, public opinion on U.S. involvement in Afghanistan has shifted significantly. Many Americans now question military partnerships with foreign units, particularly in light of such complex and controversial backgrounds.
Expert opinions also suggest that the implications of this case extend beyond the individual arrest. It could signal a need for deeper scrutiny into U.S. partnerships in volatile regions and raise questions about the treatment of those involved.
As events unfold, it will be interesting to observe how this incident influences views on national security and international relations, especially as similar challenges arise globally.
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Afghanistan, National Guard of the United States
