FOB TODD (Afghanistan, 2008)

The beginning of the ISAF mission, in late 2001, also marked the beginning of an Italian presence in north-western Afghanistan. Guliano Koren followed the Julia Brigade of the 8th Regiment of Alpine Troops, who are stationed in the town of Bala Morghab. There, together with American and Afghan soldiers, they garrison a Forward Operating Base. The village has always been a focus for weapons smuggling from nearby Turkmenistan. Particularly the countless groups of Taliban militants in the region profit from this. The atmosphere in the region therefore remains tense, without any prospect of improvement. It’s the sort of place where there is not much difference between war and peace.