N2KL
 Coordinates 35°00′N 71°12′E / 35.0°N 71.2°E / 35.0; 71.2 |
N2KL is the designation used by the United States and Coalition Forces for an area in Regional Command East comprising four provinces of Afghanistan; Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, and Laghman. These provinces border Pakistan, a fact important in the infiltration of Afghanistan from Pakistan and of Pakistan from Afghanistan and smuggling of weapons, narcotics, lumber, copper, gemstones, marble, vehicles, and electronic products, as well as ordinary consumer goods.[1][2][3][4] Furthermore, the area is of strategic significance due to its natural resources, including water, agriculture, timber, and gems.[5]
Throughout the War in Afghanistan, the area has seen steady levels of Taliban insurgency, in recent years the Islamic State's Khorasan Province has been waging an insurgency in this area causing numerous terrorist attacks.[6] As of 2017, of the 14 Medals of Honor awarded to US soldiers for the war in Afghanistan, 12 have been awarded for actions in these 4 provinces.
References
- ^ Amber Robinson (9 June 2009). "Soldiers disrupt timber smuggling in Afghan province". Retrieved 14 February 2013.
- ^ Abdul Sami Paracha (28 June 2002). "Timber smuggling from Afghanistan on the rise". Dawn. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
- ^ "Six Pakistanis held in Afghanistan on timber smuggling charge". Dawn. 19 September 2005. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
- ^ "Pakistan suggests curbs to end smuggling from Afghanistan". 30 November 2009. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
- ^ Defense.gov News Transcript: DoD News Briefing With Colonel John Spiszer, Via Teleconference From Afghanistan, at the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, Va
- ^ David Tate (1 September 2007). "Afghanistan: The jihad within a jihad". The Long War Journal. Retrieved 14 February 2013.