203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion

203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion
کندک ۲۰۳ اسپتسناز جداگانه
The emblem for KhAD-e Nezami
Active1981–1992
Disbanded1992
Country Afghanistan
BranchKhAD-e Nezami
TypeSpecial forces, spetsnaz, airborne infantry
RoleSpecial operations
Direct action
Air assault
Special reconnaissance
Counterinsurgency
SizeClassified
Part of
Garrison/HQKabul
Nickname(s)Special Recon, SpN
Engagements
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Mohammad Najibullah
Ghulam Faruq Yaqubi

The 203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion, also referred to as the 203rd SpN (Special Purpose Battalion) or 203rd Special Reconnaissance Battalion, (Persian: کندک ۲۰۳ اسپتسناز جداگانه) was an Afghan spetsnaz unit subordinated to KhAD-e Nezami, the Afghan Army's military intelligence wing.[1]

History

In 1980, under President Babrak Karmal and the Parcham faction of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defense drafted plans to form three Spetsnaz battalions for each of the Afghan Army corps. A year later, in 1981, the 203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion was formed (alongside the 212th, 230th and 211th) under the 1st Central Army Corps in Kabul and subordinated to KhAD-e Nezami (military intelligence). The 203rd SpN reportedly worked alongside the Spetsnaz GRU and the Soviet Border Troops, as well as with the Soviet Airborne Forces.[2][1]

According to Soviet advisors to KhAD-e Nezami's Spetsnaz battalions, the Pakistani Special Service Group did not want to capture SpN operators alive, testifying to their effectiveness.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ a b Urban, Mark (1990). War in Afghanistan. Springer. ISBN 978-1-349-20761-9.[page needed]
  2. ^ «Пожарная команда» Кабула. Warspot. 2022-04-15. Archived from the original on 2022-11-04. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  3. ^ Country of Origin Information Report: Afghanistan (PDF). UK Border Agency. 29 August 2008 – via State Watch.
  4. ^ "Building Afghanistan's Security Forces in Wartime: The Soviet Experience" (PDF). RAND Corporation. 2011.
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