Battleground Archives

First time I came to know about the Khyber Pass was in the late 70s/early 80s. Soviet Union military had invaded the Afghan country. Afghan irregular forces took up arms and became a force to recon with for the Kremlin troops. Mujahedin was the name they came to be known for. I read about the Khyber pass. It was known as one of the Mujahedin transport routs in and out of the country, supplying the forces with weapons, ammunition, troops, food, medical supplies and all sorts of supplies needed to combat the invadors. I had a very abstract knowledge of what the Khyber pass was. It was beyond my understanding how something like a valley could be subject for so much attention. I mean, how hard can it be for the Soviets to close down a pass. Naive I could not fathom the complexity, and vast topography of the region. To me a pass was just a narrow valley with room for a truck or two.

Over the centuries, the Khyber Pass has been not only a military thoroughfare but also a major route for traders, travelers, and pilgrims. This constant movement facilitated cultural exchange between South Asia and Central Asia, leading to the spread of ideas, religions, and art. The Silk Road networks included routes through the Khyber, making it a conduit for wealth and culture.

Throughout history, the Khyber Pass has thus been a gateway for empires, a refuge for local tribes, and a recurring site of military engagement. Its strategic importance lies in its role as a crossroads, connecting different cultures, religions, and powers—yet also serving as a point of conflict where competing interests have repeatedly clashed.

Historic Events

Achaemenid Empire (6th century BC)

The Khyber Pass may have been used by the Achaemenid Persians when they expanded their empire into parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Achaemenids controlled regions that are now parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, which would have included the Khyber as a crucial route for movement between territories.

Alexander the Great’s Invasion (327 BC)

Alexander the Great used the Khyber Pass during his invasion of India. After conquering Persia, Alexander marched his army through the Khyber Pass, overcoming local resistance as he moved into the Punjab region. His control over the pass allowed him to secure his supply lines and reinforce his army while advancing into new territory.

Arab Occupation of the Indian Subcontinent

During the 7th and 8th centuries, Arab forces used routes near the Khyber Pass as they sought to expand Islamic rule into South Asia. These campaigns ultimately established Muslim rule in parts of Sindh and Punjab, laying the groundwork for future Islamic empires in the region.

Mahmud of Ghazni (10th–11th centuries)

The Khyber Pass became a critical route during the campaigns of Mahmud of Ghazni, the ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire. Between 1001 and 1026, Mahmud launched multiple invasions into northern India, frequently using the Khyber Pass to move his armies. His campaigns resulted in the plundering of wealth and spread of Islam in the region, helping establish Islamic influence in northern India.

Babur’s Invasion of India (1526)

The founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur, marched through the Khyber Pass in 1526 as he sought to conquer the Delhi Sultanate. Babur’s forces successfully crossed into India, leading to the decisive Battle of Panipat, where he defeated the Sultan of Delhi and established the Mughal dynasty, which ruled for over 300 years.

Safeguarding the Pass During the Mughal Era

During the height of the Mughal Empire, the Mughals understood the importance of controlling the Khyber Pass to secure their northern frontier. They often stationed garrisons at key points in the pass to guard against invasions from the north and to regulate trade and movement. The pass allowed the Mughals to move troops into their northern territories and fend off incursions by Afghan and Persian forces.

First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842)

The British used the Khyber Pass to march into Afghanistan in 1839, aiming to install a pro-British ruler and prevent Russian influence. However, they faced heavy resistance and supply issues, leading to a disastrous retreat through mountainous passes, although the main retreat did not occur in the Khyber itself but rather the Khord-Kabul Pass.

Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880)

The British once again advanced through the Khyber Pass during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. They built Fort Jamrud near the pass entrance as a base to control it and established various outposts to monitor and secure the area. This campaign was part of the larger Great Game between Britain and Russia, with both powers trying to secure influence in Afghanistan as a buffer zone.

During British rule in India, the British recruited local Pashtun tribesmen to form the Khyber Rifles regiment. Established in the 1870s, the Khyber Rifles was a paramilitary force responsible for maintaining order in the pass, gathering intelligence, and ensuring the safe passage of goods and travelers. They served as an essential local force to support British interests and maintain stability in the tribal areas around the pass.

Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919)

The Khyber Pass was once again a focal point during the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Afghan forces, under King Amanullah Khan, sought to challenge British control of the frontier region. Afghan troops attempted to use the pass to invade British India, prompting skirmishes around the area. Though the British repelled the Afghan advance, the conflict ultimately led to Afghanistan gaining full independence from British influence.

The Khyber Pass remained a strategically significant battleground during the Soviet-Afghan War and later conflicts involving the Taliban and NATO forces. Here’s a look at the more recent history of battles in the Khyber Pass.

Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989)

During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Khyber Pass was vital for both logistical support and control over key movement routes. Though major battles did not take place directly in the pass, it was crucial for mujahedeen fighters who relied on the pass to receive supplies and reinforcements from Pakistan. The Khyber Pass served as a major smuggling route, with mujahedeen and local tribes using it to bring in arms, medical supplies, and fighters.

The Soviet forces attempted to restrict and disrupt these supply lines through air raids and skirmishes in the surrounding areas. However, the mountainous terrain and strong local resistance made it difficult for the Soviets to fully control the pass.

Post-2001 Afghan Conflict and NATO Involvement

After the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the Khyber Pass again became a strategic point. It was a critical supply route for NATO forces, especially for supplies coming in from Pakistan to support operations in Afghanistan. The Khyber Pass route allowed transport of fuel, food, and military equipment into landlocked Afghanistan.

In the 2000s, as the Taliban and other insurgent groups regained strength, they frequently targeted the Khyber Pass to disrupt NATO supply lines. Notable incidents included ambushes and bombings on supply convoys traveling through the pass, causing logistical disruptions for NATO. In some cases, militants attacked and set fire to fuel tankers and trucks, resulting in high-profile losses for NATO and significant media attention.

In response to the increasing instability, the Pakistani military launched several operations in and around the Khyber Pass to combat Taliban and militant influence. Operations like Operation Khyber aimed to secure the region and prevent militants from using the pass as a base for attacks on both Pakistani and NATO forces. These operations included direct confrontations with insurgents hiding in the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Khyber Pass Today

The Khyber Pass remains a symbol of Afghanistan’s rugged resilience and the complex geopolitics of the region. While it is no longer an active combat zone on the scale seen during the Soviet-Afghan War or the post-2001 conflicts, it continues to be monitored due to its historical role as a gateway and its strategic importance in Afghan-Pakistani relations.