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Crossing Afghanistan along the 'highway of death'

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 13/11/2026, 17:08:25 UTC.

Briefings

Former Afghanistan correspondent Claire Billet and photojournalist Sandra Calligaro traveled to Afghanistan in November 2026 to investigate the state of Highway 1, the Ring Road, following the 2001 US invasion and five years of Taliban rule. They documented the road's transformation into a dangerous corridor for crime and violence, specifically noting the severe risks of extortion, kidnappings, and suicide bombings for travelers between Kabul and Kandahar.

Key points

• Highway 1, known as the Ring Road, connects Kabul and Kandahar, serving as a primary route for movement between Afghanistan's major cities.
• After September 11, 2001, the road became a hotspot for crime and fighting, with travelers facing extortion, kidnappings, and suicide bombings between Kabul and Kandahar.

Context

This article investigates the specific conditions of Highway 1 during the Taliban period, contrasting it with the post-2001 era. The findings are critical for understanding the security landscape that influenced the Taliban's rise and subsequent rule.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to the findings of two former correspondents and two photojournalists who traveled to Afghanistan in November 2026. The report does not include broader historical data, government statistics, or long-term security assessments from other sources.

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