The mountains of Afghanistan are among the most hazardous terrains for military operations. After the Taliban were removed from power in 2001, they retreated to these mountains to stage their resistance against the new Afghan government and NATO forces. The complexity of the topography makes it difficult to observe or strike at militants hiding there, whether by ground or from the air. While the Taliban have been active across Afghanistan, the mountainous region along the Pakistani border is where most militant activity persists. This activity is concentrated in Wardak, Logar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Kunar and Laghman provinces, south and east of Kabul. Militancy has also been on the rise in Badakhshan province in the northeastern corner of the country. Until around 2010, the main threat posed by Taliban forces was in the southern plain — in Helmand and Kandahar provinces — but the lack of complex terrain there allowed NATO forces to be much more effective than those in the mountains during the U.S. troop surge. Since the mountains provide more protection for the Taliban than the plains, NATO troops have been forced to focus their operations in this area, though they remain active throughout Afghanistan, including in its southern provinces. The prime target of Kabul is also located within these mountains, allowing militants to operate in and around the city. Since many targets are within the same terrain protecting the militants, they can attack their adversaries without losing cover. In addition, the mountainous provinces south and east of Kabul, where Taliban militants are currently concentrated, are part of the main supply lines leading directly from Pakistan to Kabul. As many advantages as the mountainous terrain may provide, militants and local governments still must navigate the intricate web of tribal relations in the region.
