Khost or Khowst (Persian/Pashto: خوست - ost) is a city in eastern Afghanistan. It is the capital of Khost province, which is a mountainous region near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan. The population of Khost is about 160,000 people and the whole province has over one million.
During the nine-year Soviet war in Afghanistan in the 1980s, the town was besieged from July 1983 to November 1987.
Khost Airfield, with its 9,000-foot (2,700 m) runway, served as a base for helicopter operations for the Soviet military.
Khost is the home of Khost University.
Geography:
Khost is located about 150 kilometers south of Kabul and 100 kilometers from Gardēz, in Khost Province in eastern Afghanistan. The town of Khowst is located on a plateau of at least 1,000 metres in altitude that extends to the East for about 40 km until the Pakistan border.
Thirty km to the North the peaks start up to 2,500/3,000 m right next to the frontier, while 20 km to the South, near the border, the average is around 1,800 m.
The valley of Khowst is closed to the West with a long mountain chain with peaks that go over 3,000 m. Through this runs for about 90 km the road to Gardez, which is considered extremely dangerous due to the risk of ambush.
Soviet war in Afghanistan
During the Soviet war in Afghanistan, Khost was the object of a siege which lasted for more than eight years. Soon after the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops, Afghan guerillas took control of the only land route between Khost and Gardez, effectively putting a stop to the Soviet advance.
During the assault on the Zhawar Kili Cave complex, the Soviets used the Khost Airfield as an initial staging ground to insert troops into the combat zone, using Mil Mi-8 armed helicopter transport ships.
2001-present war in Afghanistan
Khost has been in American control since the 2001 US led invasion of Afghanistan. Due to its location in eastern Afghanistan, it was a hotbed for insurgent activity attempting to dislodge the American forces there. Like most every other province, Khost is home to maneuver forces and a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). Maneuver forces wage war against insurgents and assist the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police in operations while the PRT handles the reconstruction aspects.
In early 2007, Lieutenant Colonel Scottie Custer of the 82nd Airborne Division saw that the best way to limit insurgent activity in Khost was to forward deploy some 187 paratroopers under his command to Force Protection Facilities in Khost's various district centers next to the sub-governors mansions so they could both protect them and maintain a visible presence in population centers as well as help mentor Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police units operating across Khost.
The FPF's brought a broader sense of security and prosperity to surrounding areas. Bazaars, shops, and gas stations have improved the quality of life for local residents. The Mandozai Force Protection Facilities in Khost include a medical clinic attached to further assist Afghans in need of basic medical assistance. The offices of Khost's various sub-governors had experienced increased activity as Afghans went there to settle disputes and voice concerns instead of going through traditional tribal channels and bribes cutting down on sectarian suspicion and strife.
Throughout 2007 and 2008 roads had been improved, businesses were springing up and schools were being built, at least 50 in 2007 alone with another 25 planned for 2008. A new airport was under construction as the Khost Airfield was used by the US Military creating new opportunities and jobs.
Sport:
Cricket is growing in popularity in Khost, with the sport being introduced by newly returned refugees from Pakistan. Afghanistan batsman Noor Ali was born in Khost.
Nawroz Mangal, the captain of the Afghanistan team for ODI and test matches, also belongs to the Khost Province.
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