Six: 1983

Abstract

The year began badly for government troops in the beleaguered mountain garrison of Khost. Since the early days of the war, this outpost, which is closer to guerrilla bases across the Pakistani border than it is to any Afghan army garrison, had been difficult to re-supply. It depended on one road, which was often raked by enemy fire. It had an airfield which was frequently under fire and when helicopters could not land supplies had to be parachuted in. The permanent garrison there consisted of the 25th Division and the 2nd Border Brigade. Both were under-strength and by 1983 totalled about 2500 men, with around 1500 in Khost itself and others in outlying posts. There were very few Soviets there — perhaps two dozen advisers.