RASC News Agency: As Soldiers’ Day arrives on February 27, thousands of former Afghanistani soldiers remain unemployed, imprisoned by the Taliban, or living in exile a stark reminder of a once-proud military force now shattered by war and betrayal. Under the former republic, February 27 was designated as Soldiers’ Day by security institutions, a moment to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Afghanistani troops in the relentless fight against terrorism and extremism.
Today, however, the reality is grim: terrorists now rule Afghanistan, while those who once defended the nation endure imprisonment, torture, or forced exile. Although the former government was plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power, particularly within the military leadership, Afghanistani soldiers on the frontlines remained resolute in their mission. They fought valiantly to protect civilians, standing as the last line of defense for cities, marketplaces, hospitals, and schools against insurgent attacks.
Yet, in a matter of months, their sacrifices were erased. Some surrendered, some were betrayed, and others were simply abandoned only to face persecution. In the past three and a half years, many of these defenseless soldiers have become targets of Taliban vengeance, their pleas for justice met with silence. The Taliban have systematically arrested, tortured, and executed them under various pretexts. As this Soldiers’ Day passes, thousands remain behind bars, hundreds have fled in fear for their lives, and a determined few continue to resist the Taliban on the battlefield fighting for a future they once swore to protect.
