Afghan army trains women for special forces

Abdali said that while she hides her occupation from many family members because of security concerns, she is proud to fulfill a duty she feels is important to her homeland.

"If I will not come and put my life in danger for the women and culture in Afghanistan, then who will do this?'' she asked.

Abdali wears a traditional Afghan headscarf under her helmet, but otherwise she is clad in an army uniform and heavy flak jacket just like the men. Her weapon and equipment is heavy, but she runs with it along the peaks of snow-covered mountains, unpaved roads under the hot summer sun and on rugged paths in remote areas of the country.

"Women must show their bravery and power by carrying out this duty as men do,'' Abdali said as she loaded her weapon to take part in the drill.

"Move to your vehicles!'' the unit commander shouted.

The unit ran from their formations to six armored vehicles and started toward the target. Along the way, the commander repeated a description of the house where the Taliban leader was believed to be hiding and instructed the unit on how to surround it and arrest the suspect.

The special forces soldiers crawled on the snow-covered ground up to the house.

"You have no place to hide. Please surrender yourself,'' one soldier shouted.

When the target didn't respond, he repeated his command. Again, the target did not respond.

"Attack,'' the commander shouted.

After a gun battle, four or five special forces soldiers entered the house and secured the area. The female soldiers then went in and escorted the women and children outside.

Abdali questioned two ladies and three small boys after they were shepherded to safety. She was trying to collect information to help her team while keeping them busy and distracting them from the violence.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Myanmar charges 6 Muslims for sectarian violence

Boston suspect's friend released on bail pending trial

Pakistan remains major buyer of Chinese arms, says Pentagon report

Assad regime behind use of chemical weapons: White House