Ep 18. ISIS in Afghanistan/Taliban Hunters

In season 33 episode 18 of Frontline, titled “ISIS in Afghanistan/Taliban Hunters,” viewers are taken on a journey to the front lines of Afghanistan’s ongoing conflict. The episode focuses on two different groups of fighters who are trying to make a difference in the war-torn country.

The first group is a unit of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), who are battling the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan. The group is made up of highly trained soldiers who have been hand-picked to take on this dangerous mission. They operate in some of the most remote regions of the country, often having to walk for hours to reach their targets. The episode follows them as they conduct raids on suspected ISIS hideouts, and as they come under fire from the enemy.

The second group is a band of tribal militias who call themselves the “Taliban Hunters.” These fighters have taken it upon themselves to combat the Taliban, who have long been a thorn in the side of Afghanistan’s government. The Taliban Hunters are not officially recognized by the government, and are therefore not paid for their services. Instead, they are motivated by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to rid their country of the Taliban’s influence.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are shown the challenges that both groups face on a daily basis. For the Afghan soldiers, it’s the constant threat of ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that are left on the roads. For the Taliban Hunters, it’s the fear of being targeted by the Taliban, who see them as traitors and collaborators with the government.

The episode explores the motivations of the fighters on both sides, and shows how the war has affected their lives. Viewers are introduced to a young Afghan soldier, who talks about how he became disillusioned with the Taliban after they killed his father. They also meet a member of the Taliban Hunters, who lost his son to the war and is now motivated by a desire for revenge.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a sense of the complexity of the conflict in Afghanistan. While the Afghan soldiers and the Taliban Hunters are united in their desire to bring stability to the country, they are often at odds with each other. The episode raises questions about the role of outside forces, such as the United States, in the conflict, and whether their involvement has ultimately made the situation worse.

In conclusion, Frontline season 33 episode 18 provides a raw, unfiltered look at the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan. Through the eyes of the soldiers and fighters on the ground, viewers are given a sense of the toll that the war has taken on the country and its people. The episode is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, and of the courage of those who are fighting to bring peace to their homeland.