Jalalabad: Center for Taliban Abuse & Terror in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
Jalalabad, like many bases in Afghanistan, was also a former stronghold of Soviet forces before the Taliban took over.

Jalalabad, Afghanistan Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Afghanistan has been at war for more than 30 years. After the Russian invasion of 1979 that lasted for more than a decade, the country was locked into years of combat with the Taliban. Tim King visited a base that is used by the Afghan National Army, but as he tells us in this next report, signs of the Taliban's cruelty are far from gone.

In a country that is often freezing and cold, the Afghanistan military base called Jalalabad has weather reminiscent of Southern California.

Trees cast shade and birds sing in the sunlight.

But not long ago, this peaceful setting was a nightmare- during the years the Taliban were here, when this place that is full of life had a mission that was organized around death and oppression.

"This was a Taliban military prison where they would hold people- execute people, here, right there," 1st Lt. Sean Hammond of the Oregon Guard 41st Combat Brigade.

It was a place of sorrow for people considered enemies of the fanatical regime known as the Taliban.

Not only were Afghan men imprisoned here, they were also put to death at what is only remembered as the execution tree.

Soldiers like Specialist Daniel Barker say their mission to help rid Afghanistan of the Taliban presence is advancing, and that he and his fellow soldiers would like to return to a peaceful Afghanistan some day as visitors, so for now they are working with a high degree of confidence.

"I don't know, we've got a mission to do and we are going to go out there and get it accomplished," said Spec. Daniel Barker of the Oklahoma National Guard.

He and other soldiers say the prison building is a clear indication of the vast cruelty that the Taliban symbolize. But even as they continue to terrorize parts of Afghanistan, strongholds like this seemingly haunted place are broken.

Now the light again finds its way inside, illuminating bullet holes that snuffed out the lives of men who once lived in the surrounding areas but refused to cower to their oppressors and for that... paid the ultimate price.

Watch the Streaming Video News Report below, direct from Kabul, Afghanistan by Tim King: Video

In Afghanistan, Tim King, reporting for Salem-news.com

If you are interested in sponsoring a special report, direct from the 41st Combat Brigade at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, email: bonnie@salem-news.com

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN "SUPPORT GROUP" Love Boxes sponsor of special report, and fantastic support group for all of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Send a Love Box: http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com Salem Police provided body armor, military rainproof clothing and other small materials from their SWAT team that will make a big difference for Tim's level of safety.

Eola Hills Winery hosted a wine tasting fundraiser on October 13th. Special thanks goes to Eric Rogers, Terri & Ann. Visit Eola Hills at http://eolahills.com

McDonalds Restaurants of Salem provided $1,100 toward the trip to Afghanistan. We hardly know how to thank them enough, but we know this is one organization that sees the value of bringing the stories of our Oregon soldiers home. Nopps Jewelry and Art provided a kevlar military issue helmet with a value of $250. This is greatly appreciated! You can visit their site: www.nopps.com

Eric Mason of Salem provided $100 toward Tim's trip to Afghanistan. Eric and Tim formerly worked together at Portland, Oregon's ABC station.

Jesse Anderson of Lincoln City provided funds to help, as did Dan and Marti Motley of Salem.

One of Salem's most courageous families, David and Arlene Banks, provided $100 toward Tim's trip.

Another pair of Salem heroes, Scott Smith and Margaret Sanner, provided funds to assist with Tim's Afghanistan trip.

Roger Yost and Alessandro's Ristorante have provided generous assistance for the Afghanistan coverage. Camo and Gear Military Surplus in Salem contributed a pair of new military issue boots that will be ideal for use in Afghanistan.

Tom Golden of Golden’s Funeral Service, Proud of the past, prepared for the future.

Other supporters wish not to be named, but we appreciate them greatly, and each and every contribution makes a big difference.

We will continue to keep you updated on the people and organizations that support Oregon troops and are making Dispatches from Afghanistan possible.

A special THANK YOU to these Silent Auction contributors: Extreme Velocity Paintball, Beads-a-Million, SLAB, Oak Knoll Golf Course, Best Lil Roadhouse, Los Baez, EZ Orchards, Adams Ribs Smokehouse, Willamette Queen, Thailand Restaurant, Lela Kelly, Frank Matthews and Tina Miller Thanks!

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Tim King is embedded in Kabul, Afghanistan with the 41st Combat Brigade of the Oregon National Guard. See his stories several times a week here, on Salem-News.com, and on Portland’s KPTV Fox12.

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i want to see

The taliban are a terrible corrupt perversion of the Islamic faith. Their deeds of terror are still unrelenting and it is sad in this day and age.

know everyone esle has said it, but again, 'thank you' for your detailed, candid stories of the mission and how our 41st Bde commrads are doing over there.

Tim: Ironic to see your strong stuff from war-zone...while "tv-news" here cannot find but moments-within-hours for most essential ongoing coverage of state and city governance. Teaching visually beats print-alone but demands deep care and very special skills, such as yours displayed here.

Again, Tim, a great commentary on the area you are in. I have heard nothing but good about your videos from people I know who have watched them. See you soon. Love Ya!

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