Reports of a Taliban special forces unit patrolling Kabul have begun to emerge from Afghanistan, shattering the stereotypical image held by many of the militant group.
Rather than the typical Salwar Kameez and AK-47 slung over the shoulder that has become synonymous with farmer-turned-terrorist Taliban fighters, the 'Badri 313' battalion forces are an altogether different outfit.
The unit, previously unveiled by the Taliban in promotional material, are reportedly highly trained and equipped with state-of-the-art military equipment.
Where the unit acquired the equipment is unknown, but it appears to be a combination of U.S. military hardware and that use by Afghan forces, likely seized as Western and allied forces withdrew from the country.
In videos released by the group, the Badri 313 soldiers are seen with military helmets and sunglasses instead of the usual tuban, bullet proof vests over camouflage jackets and trousers instead of the typical robes, and armed with tactical rifles.
In addition, the unit appears to be armed with modern sidearms, wearing modern combat boots, and even have night vision goggles - making them difficult to distinguish from any other country's special combat units.
Images of the special commando-style unit have previously been released, and there are now reports that its personnel are patrolling the streets of Kabul after the Taliban took control of the city on Sunday.

Rather than the typical Salwar Kameez and AK-47 slung over the shoulder that has become synonymous with farmer-turned-terrorist Taliban fighters, the 'Badri 313' battalion forces are an altogether different outfit

Reports of a Taliban special forces unit patrolling Kabul have begun to emerge from Afghanistan, shattering the stereotypical image held by many of the militant group. Picturd: A still grab from a video purporting to show the Badri 313 special forces unit in training
According to reports on Afghan social media, they have been deployed for security purposes after the Taliban's lightning sweep of country culminated in them assuming control of Afghanistan for the first time since 2001.
The unit is reportedly named after the Battle of Badr that is written about in the Qur'an, in which the Prophet Mohammed successfully defeated an enemy force with just 313 men - some 1,400 years ago.
According to a report from India Today, the Badri 313 prepares like any other special forces commando unit, employing tactical and attack training in undisclosed locations run by the Taliban.
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