How A CIA-Backed Militia Is Nearly Controlling An Entire Afghan Province

This is worth-reading coverage from Khost, in eastern Afghanistan, where the so-called "Khost Protection Force" (KPF) is controlling many parts of the province.

The KPF isn't part of the regular Afghan army. Instead, it's directy funded and trained by the CIA and known as a crucial part of the agency's shadow war in the region. 

Besides, the militia is infamous for several human rights violations. In fact, they are free to do everything - from torture to murder - without any kind of charge. 

“When my father opened the gate, they shot him dead. Then, they tossed a grenade into the compound, killing my mother," said Darwar Khan, a victim of a KPF's night raids. 

A note from my personal experience: I visited Khost a few days ago to carry out some research on drone warfare and US war crimes. Already before I started my trip, many people told me to be very careful since the KPF is preventing journalists and human rights activists from work. 

When I entered Khost city, I immediately felt the militia's presence. They have checkpoints on every road and are - contrary to regular army soldiers - very well equipped. After my work was done, I feared that the militia might find my camera when I left the city. This would have been a worst case scenario.

But fortunately, it didn't happen.