US. Army Special Forces, Kabul, Afghanistan 2001-02

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After the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, US. Army Special Forces were one of few first US units to be deployed to Afghanistan, at the time, under control of Taliban regime, who offered the safe haven to Al Qaeda, the terrorism group responsible for the 9/11 attack. The Special Forces worked closely with Northern Alliance Fighters (predecessor to Afghan National Government, the alliance consisted of multiple different tribes who rivaled Taliban and Al Qaeda). Special Forces soldiers needed to blend in with the local population and Alliance fighters, so instead of their standard issue equipment and accessories, they opted for equipment/ clothes/accessories popular in Afghanistan such as Chinese made AK chest rig, traditional pakol hat, and shemagh. They even grew beards.