Kandahar Airfield: Attacks, Security & Afghanistan Base News
Is Kandahar Airfield truly secure, a fortress impervious to attack? Recent events suggest a vulnerability that demands a closer examination.
Coalition security forces at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) successfully repelled attempts by insurgents to penetrate the perimeter and collectively defended the base on May 22. According to Lieutenant Anthony Maisonet, the enemy forces initiated their assault on KAF using indirect fire. The official website for the U.S. military provided further details on the incident.
In a separate incident, described by some as an insider attack and by others as an "accident," an Afghan security force member opened fire on International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops at Kandahar Airfield. This tragic event resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to at least two others. The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation.
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| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Kandahar Airfield (KAF), also referred to as Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport |
| Location | Daman District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (approximately 9 nautical miles (17 km) from Kandahar City) |
| IATA Code | OAKN |
| Type | Military Airfield/International Airport |
| Operator (Former) | United States of America (until 2006) |
| Operator (Current) | Afghan National Defense Security Forces |
| Runway Length | 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) |
| Airspace | Class C airspace within a 30 nautical mile radius from the ARP, extending from the surface up to and including FL290. |
| Strategic Importance | A strategically important airfield in southern Afghanistan. Served as the largest ISAF military base in Afghanistan. |
| Key Units Stationed | Formerly home to the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing (stood up July 2). |
| Website | Example Military Website (Note: Replace with an actual relevant official military website if possible) |
The importance of Kandahar Airfield has been consistently highlighted. A visit by AFCENT leadership to Kandahar Airfield underscored its significance. On February 14, the Air Forces Central Command and Combined Forces Air Component Commander spoke with airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Airfield, emphasizing the crucial nature of the USAFCENT mission in Afghanistan. This visit coincided with the NATO Role III Multinational Medical Unit's transfer of authority ceremony.
A separate incident involved indirect fire impacting Kandahar Airfield at approximately 8 p.m. A statement from NATO forces based in Kabul confirmed that an undetermined number of rockets were fired at the base. While details regarding the extent of the damage or casualties were initially scarce, the incident served as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The 451st Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESPTS) at Kandahar Airfield stands out as a unique unit. Unlike most squadrons, the 451st ESPTS is a blended squadron that encompasses six functions typically found in a mission support group. This integration allows for greater efficiency and coordination in providing essential support services to the personnel stationed at the airfield.
Kandahar International Airport, located just 16 kilometers from Kandahar City in the southern part of Afghanistan, serves as a vital transportation hub. It is one of the largest airports in the country, facilitating both military and civilian air traffic. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting Kandahar to the rest of Afghanistan and the world.
Air Commodore Malcolm Brecht, a British international security officer, highlighted the strategic importance of Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, which was established on July 2, plays a major role in the mission conducted at the airfield. Their presence contributes significantly to the overall security and stability of the region.
On February 13, 2019, maintenance airmen at Kandahar Airfield received a surprise visit from an army therapy dog. This visit was part of an initiative to showcase the various mental health resources available to personnel stationed at the airfield. The presence of the therapy dog provided a welcome respite from the stresses of military life and served as a reminder of the importance of mental well-being.
The infamous "poo pond" at Kandahar Airfield, known for its brackish water, is gradually disappearing. The final drainage of this iconic, albeit unpleasant, landmark is underway, marking a significant change to the landscape of the base. The pond had become a well-known, and often joked about, feature of the airfield for many years.
A gray American transport plane taxied down the runway at Kandahar Airfield, carrying a diverse cargo. Munitions, a large flat-screen television from a C.I.A. base, pallets of equipment, and departing personnel were all part of the plane's manifest, illustrating the varied activities that took place at the airfield.
Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport, also known as Kandahar International Airport (IATA: OAKN), is located in the Daman district of Kandahar province, approximately 17 kilometers from Kandahar city. It is sometimes referred to by military officials as Kandahar Airfield (KAF). The airport serves as a critical link for both military and civilian operations in the region. Aircraft operators rely on instructions from ground crew during parking operations to ensure safety and efficiency.
According to an official based in Kabul and speaking to Fox News, forces have departed from one of the largest military bases in Afghanistan. This development, confirmed by three defense officials, signifies a shift in the military landscape of the country. The Kandahar Airfield was subsequently turned over to the Afghan National Defense Security Forces, marking a significant milestone in the transition of security responsibilities.
On April 7, the Taliban targeted Kandahar Airfield with rockets. While no casualties were reported, the Pentagon stated that the attack posed a threat to fragile peace discussions in the country. The incident underscored the ongoing challenges to security and stability in Afghanistan, even as efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution continued.
Air Forces Central Command and Combined Forces Air Component Commander, along with U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Drinkard, Command Chief Master Sgt. for USAFCENT, addressed airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Airfield. They reiterated the importance of the USAFCENT mission, emphasizing the critical role that the airmen played in supporting operations in Afghanistan.
On December 8, 2015, several militants breached the security perimeter of Kandahar Airfield. They barricaded themselves in an old school building, triggering a protracted battle with Afghan soldiers that lasted for many hours. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of the airfield to determined attacks and the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining control.
Kandahar International Airport, situated 16 kilometers from Kandahar City, remains one of the largest airports in Afghanistan. Until 2006, it was operated by the United States of America. The Kandahar Airfield boasts a runway length of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), capable of accommodating a wide range of aircraft.
Kandahar has Class C airspace extending 30 nautical miles from the ARP (Airport Reference Point), from the surface up to and including FL290 (Flight Level 290), with certain exceptions. This controlled airspace is crucial for ensuring the safe and orderly flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the airport.
Kandahar Airfield, commonly known as KAF, holds the distinction of being the largest ISAF military base in Afghanistan. At one point, it was also recognized as the busiest single-runway airport in the world, reflecting the intense level of activity that took place there. The airfield served as a vital hub for military operations, logistical support, and troop movements.
The events at Kandahar Airfield paint a picture of a strategically important location facing ongoing security challenges, operational complexities, and a significant transition in its role as international forces draw down their presence in Afghanistan. From repelling insurgent attacks to dealing with insider threats, and from providing essential support services to managing a busy international airport, Kandahar Airfield has been at the center of the conflict and the efforts to build a more stable future for Afghanistan.
Kandahar Airfield Map
Kandahar International Airport
Kandahar Air Base Living Quarters
