What were the Taliban's main strategies during the Afghan conflict?

The Taliban's main strategies during the Afghan conflict included guerrilla warfare, psychological operations, and leveraging local support.

The Taliban employed guerrilla warfare tactics, which involved small, mobile units carrying out hit-and-run attacks against larger, less mobile Afghan and coalition forces. This strategy allowed them to exploit their knowledge of the local terrain, making it difficult for conventional forces to engage them effectively. They often used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes to inflict damage while minimising their own casualties.

Psychological operations were another key strategy. The Taliban aimed to undermine the morale of both Afghan government forces and the civilian population. They spread propaganda through various means, including leaflets, radio broadcasts, and social media, to portray themselves as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan and to discredit the Afghan government and its international allies. By instilling fear and uncertainty, they hoped to weaken the resolve of their opponents.

Leveraging local support was crucial for the Taliban's success. They built relationships with local tribes and communities, often by exploiting grievances against the Afghan government or foreign forces. In some cases, they provided basic services and security in areas where the government was absent or ineffective. This helped them gain the loyalty and cooperation of local populations, which was essential for gathering intelligence, recruiting fighters, and maintaining supply lines.

In summary, the Taliban's strategies during the Afghan conflict were multifaceted and adapted to the changing dynamics of the war. By combining guerrilla tactics, psychological operations, and local support, they were able to sustain their insurgency over a prolonged period.