Following Attacks by Pakistan, Taliban Built Tunnels Near Kandahar

The Taliban have built underground structures near Kandahar—a city in southern Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.

Analysts from the Pamir Watch project have released a satellite image of one of the tunnels.

Construction began in 2025 following Pakistani attacks.

According to sources, the Taliban intend to use the tunnels as shelters for their forces in the event of possible clashes with Pakistan.

One of the guest residences of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, who has effectively been ruling Afghanistan from Kandahar since the Taliban seized power in 2021, is located in this same area.

“Access for civilians is completely restricted, and local police are prohibited from approaching this area,” a representative of the Taliban security forces said.

Since the Taliban’s return to power, Kandahar has become the center of their political influence.

Ahunzadi is rarely seen in public. He is believed to reside in Kandahar and make political decisions behind closed doors.

According to analysts, many key decisions once made in Kabul are now made in Kandahar.

The use of tunnels in Afghanistan is not new.

During the war involving the United States, the Taliban and other armed groups often dug tunnels to take cover from airstrikes, move fighters, and store weapons.

In February 2026, Pakistan declared “open war” on the Afghan Taliban.