How Many Private Contractors in Afghanistan

• 16 September 2023
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As a professional, I have decided to write an article on a topic that is both relevant and interesting – the number of private contractors in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been a hotbed of political turmoil and conflict for decades, and it is no surprise that many private contractors have been hired to work there over the years. But just how many private contractors are currently operating in Afghanistan? Let`s dive into the numbers.

First, it is important to understand what we mean by “private contractors.” Private contractors are individuals or companies hired by the government or other entities to provide a range of services, from security to construction and logistics. In Afghanistan, private contractors have been hired by the United States government, the Afghan government, and other organizations to assist with a variety of tasks.

According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, as of June 2021, there were about 18,000 private contractors operating in Afghanistan. This number includes both US and foreign contractors, and it represents a significant decrease from the peak of contractor activity in 2011, when there were around 110,000 contractors in the country.

Of the 18,000 contractors currently operating in Afghanistan, about 16,000 are employed by the US government. These contractors are primarily providing security for US military and diplomatic personnel, as well as conducting construction and logistics operations. The remaining contractors are employed by the Afghan government and other organizations.

It is worth noting that the number of private contractors in Afghanistan has been decreasing steadily over the past few years, as the US military has been drawing down its presence in the country. In 2021, the US military is scheduled to fully withdraw from Afghanistan, which will likely lead to further reductions in the number of contractors operating in the country.

In conclusion, while the number of private contractors currently operating in Afghanistan is significantly lower than it was in the past, there are still thousands of contractors providing essential services in the country. As the US military withdraws from the country, we can expect to see further reductions in the number of contractors, but it is likely that some will remain to provide ongoing support to the Afghan government and other organizations.