The Natural Hideouts
Where The Taliban And Osama Have Run...
Until November 9 , the Taliban controlled more than 90 per cent of Afghanistan. After the offensive by the Northern Alliance , they are retreating towards the southeast, mainly to the mountains.
Forced to retreat from all major towns, the Taliban are headed towards hilly areas where there are caves, tunnels and bunkers to hide
Natural Caves:
Primarily of limestone. They extend for miles. Natural caves are found everywhere in Afghanistan and can be used for living, storage, planning operations and protection.
Karez:
Karez are irrigation tunnels that date back 3,000 years. In desert areas, they can extend thousands of feet under sloping gravel plains at the foot of mountains to allow access to water.
Bunkers:
Built by the mujahideen and Al Qaeda. They are thousands of feet below the mountains. Used to house tanks, 18-wheelers and ammunition along with large number of troops.
...And Where They Can Hide
Taliban strongholds were along the Pakistan border stretching from Helmand in the south to Konar in the northeast. Following the Northern Alliance offensive, Taliban and Osama's men are hiding in these areas
Why These Hideouts:
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