peers

Russian photographer Dmitry Kostyukov photographed US Marines and Afghan police officers of the same age fighting together against the Taliban.

(Total 6 photos)

Source: kostyukov.livejournal.com

1. 22-year-old Jimmy Carroll and Israel Abdullah at the Musa Kala base.

The shooting took place in the Musa-Kala district of the Helmand province bordering Pakistan. During the counter-terrorist operation in Afghanistan, it was in this province that the most fierce battles with the Taliban unfolded.

2. 20-year-old Chris Crowley and Abdul Malik at the Mirage base.

Not all Afghans celebrate their birthday: in order to find a couple, Dmitry Kostyukov began by looking for an Afghan who is able to figure out how old he is, after which he found his American peer. Only the Marines were surprised at the difference in appearance, but not the Afghans.

3. 22-year-old Garett Macerdle and Namatulla at the Mirage base.

Patrolling of the territory was carried out jointly with the Afghan police or army, so the Americans lived at the base with the Afghans. Afghan police officers acted as guides on the ground, and the Marines trained them in the handling of various types of weapons

4. 21-year-old Tom Belly and Nur Ahmad at the Musa Kala base.

In troubled areas like Musa Qala, Afghans, especially adults, avoid being photographed with Americans. The Taliban track who communicates with enemies on the Internet, find these families and cut them out. Punishment can follow any, even forced communication with the Marines.

5. 22-year-old Hutz and Zaher Ismael at the Musa Kala base.

Dmitry Kostyukov

As a photojournalist, he covered the most important political events: from presidential meetings to armed conflicts. Conducts an author's course at the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University. 2010 - First used 3D photography to cover the war in Afghanistan. 2012 - Published in collaboration with the artist Zina Surova the children's book "Cosmos".

6. Brett McClair and Mohammad Khan, 26

In August 2012, Mohammad Khan, who by that time had headed the police detachment, defected to the Taliban with a dozen of his subordinates. And in early September, the US command suspended the training program for Afghan police officers, as they began to desert and attack instructors more often.