203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion

The 203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion, also referred to as the 203rd SpN '' or 203rd Special Reconnaissance Battalion, was an Afghan spetsnaz unit subordinated to KhAD-e Nezami, the Afghan Army's military intelligence wing.

History

In 1980, under President Babrak Karmal and the Parcham faction of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defense drafted plans to form three Spetsnaz battalions for each of the Afghan Army corps. A year later, in 1981, the 203rd Separate Spetsnaz Battalion was formed under the 1st Central Army Corps in Kabul and subordinated to KhAD-e Nezami. The 203rd SpN reportedly worked alongside the Spetsnaz GRU and the Soviet Border Troops, as well as with the Soviet Airborne Forces.
According to Soviet advisors to KhAD-e Nezami's Spetsnaz battalions, the Pakistani Special Service Group did not want to capture SpN operators alive, testifying to their effectiveness.