Khost
Khost
خوست | |
|---|---|
 View from the central hill toward Khost Mosque | |
| Country |  Afghanistan |
| Province | Khost |
| District | Khost |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipality |
| • Mayor | Mufti Shahzad Noor Rashid[1] |
| Elevation | 1,225 m (4,019 ft) |
| Population (2025)[2] | |
• City | 170,615 |
| • Urban | 15,104 |
| Time zone | UTC+04:30 (Afghanistan Time) |
| Postal code | 25XX |
Khost (Dari[a], Pashto[b]: خوست) is a city in eastern Afghanistan, serving as the capital of Khost Province.[3] It is within the jurisdiction of Khost District and has an estimated population of 170,615 people.[2] It is the largest city in the southeastern part of the country, and also the largest in the region of Loya Paktia.
Khost is home to Shaikh Zayed University. The Khost Airport is located in the eastern area of the city. The current mayor of the city is Mufti Shahzad Noor Rashid.[1] His predecessor was Bismillah Bilal.[4]
Geography
[edit]Khost is located about 150 km (93 mi) south of Kabul. It lies on a plateau not below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) in elevation that extends to the east for about 40 km (25 mi) until the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Thirty kilometres to the north the peaks rise up to 2,500 to 3,000 m (8,200 to 9,800 ft) while farther south 20 km (12 mi) away from the border, the average is around 1,800 m (5,900 ft).
Climate
[edit]Khost has a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk though very close to qualifying as BSh). Khost is located in the "Khost Bowl", a valley with lower elevation than the surrounding highlands. The geography afforded more moderate weather conditions. With a January average of 4.8 °C (40.6 °F), Khost has noticeably milder winters, compared to the much harsher and snowy winters of the surrounding higher towns to the north, west, and south (listed anticlockwise): Parachinar, Tari Mangal, Aryob, Tsamkani, Khandkhel, Gardez, Zurmat, Sharana, Zerok, Urgun, Angur Ada, Kaniguram, and Razmak. Nonetheless, frosts are still frequent in the early mornings.
Most unusually for Afghanistan, Khost receives a substantial proportion of its annual rainfall of 475 mm (19 in) from the South Asian monsoon. The valley being open to the southeast (towards the lower elevation Miranshah), the moisture-laden winds bring much welcomed rain during the summer. The remaining portion of the year Khost remains hot and dry. Sporadic droughts occur when the summer monsoon fails to bring the needed precipitation.
| Climate data for Khost, Afghanistan | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 22.1 (71.8) |
26.9 (80.4) |
32.3 (90.1) |
37.0 (98.6) |
40.2 (104.4) |
46.4 (115.5) |
41.5 (106.7) |
37.8 (100.0) |
40.0 (104.0) |
33.2 (91.8) |
29.0 (84.2) |
22.0 (71.6) |
46.4 (115.5) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 12.7 (54.9) |
13.8 (56.8) |
19.1 (66.4) |
25.1 (77.2) |
30.3 (86.5) |
35.4 (95.7) |
33.6 (92.5) |
32.3 (90.1) |
30.5 (86.9) |
26.4 (79.5) |
20.1 (68.2) |
14.8 (58.6) |
24.5 (76.1) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 4.8 (40.6) |
7.0 (44.6) |
12.2 (54.0) |
17.5 (63.5) |
22.6 (72.7) |
28.0 (82.4) |
27.4 (81.3) |
26.4 (79.5) |
23.3 (73.9) |
17.9 (64.2) |
11.0 (51.8) |
6.4 (43.5) |
17.0 (62.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −0.9 (30.4) |
1.1 (34.0) |
5.8 (42.4) |
10.4 (50.7) |
14.3 (57.7) |
19.8 (67.6) |
21.3 (70.3) |
21.2 (70.2) |
16.5 (61.7) |
10.3 (50.5) |
3.6 (38.5) |
0.0 (32.0) |
10.2 (50.4) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −8.5 (16.7) |
−10.4 (13.3) |
−3.3 (26.1) |
1.0 (33.8) |
5.4 (41.7) |
9.5 (49.1) |
13.3 (55.9) |
14.6 (58.3) |
7.2 (45.0) |
0.0 (32.0) |
−6 (21) |
−5.5 (22.1) |
−10.4 (13.3) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 25.9 (1.02) |
53.6 (2.11) |
61.8 (2.43) |
65.2 (2.57) |
39.8 (1.57) |
21.6 (0.85) |
75.9 (2.99) |
62.0 (2.44) |
30.5 (1.20) |
7.7 (0.30) |
11.6 (0.46) |
20.9 (0.82) |
476.5 (18.76) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 4.1 | 5.8 | 9.2 | 9.1 | 5.7 | 2.5 | 7.9 | 7.0 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 62.4 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 60 | 62 | 62 | 59 | 50 | 46 | 63 | 68 | 62 | 56 | 56 | 59 | 59 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 198.4 | 183.6 | 207.7 | 234.0 | 291.4 | 285.0 | 251.1 | 248.0 | 270.0 | 251.1 | 243.0 | 176.7 | 2,840 |
| Source 1: NOAA (1972-1983)[5] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: (sunshine and precipitation days)[6] | |||||||||||||
Land use
[edit]Khost is the provincial administrative seat in eastern Afghanistan. Being close to the border with Pakistan, Khost straddles an important transport corridor. The eastern districts (1–3) are dotted with forests and residential settlements while the western districts (4–5) are more barren and lightly populated.[7] Water courses account for 5% of total land surface.[7]
History
[edit]| History of Afghanistan |
|---|
 |
| Timeline |
19th and 20th centuries
[edit]During the Second Anglo-Afghan War, British forces led by Lord Roberts entered Khost during the second British invasion of Afghanistan during the conflict. Approximately 8,000 raiders from the Mangal tribe, which had a long tradition of resisting outside control, launched several attacks on weakly protected British supply convoys in Khost. In reprisal, Lord Roberts ordered his forces to attack eleven Mangal villages which had launched raids that murdered several camp followers, resulting in them being sacked and burnt. Once news of the reprisals became known in Britain, his political opponents in the British Parliament criticized Lord Roberts' actions. At the end of the conflict, British forces withdrew from Khost.[8][9]
Khost rebellions
[edit]Between 1856 and 1925, Khost was the site of three rebellions, lasting from 1856 to 1857, 1912, and 1924–1925 respectively.
During the Soviet–Afghan War, Khost was the object of a siege that lasted for more than eight years. Soon after the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops, Afghan guerillas took control of the only land route between Khost and Gardez, effectively putting a stop to the Soviet advance.
During the assault on the Zhawar Kili Cave complex, the Soviets used the Khost Airfield as an initial staging ground to insert troops into the combat zone, using Mil Mi-8 armed helicopter transport ships.
As of April 1995, Khost was under the control of the Taliban.[10]
21st century
[edit]
During the war in Afghanistan (2001–2021), the United States built Forward Operating Base Chapman near Khost. Due to its location in southeastern Afghanistan, it was a hotbed for insurgent activity attempting to dislodge the American forces there. Like most other provinces, Khost is home to maneuver forces and a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). Maneuver forces wage war against insurgents and assist the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police in operations, while the PRT handles the reconstruction aspects.[citation needed]
In early 2007, Lieutenant Colonel Scottie Custer of the 82nd Airborne Division saw that the best way to limit insurgent activity in Khost was to forward-deploy some 187 paratroopers under his command to Force Protection Facilities in Khost's various district centers around sub-governors' mansions, to directly protect these, maintain a visible presence in population centers, and help mentor Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police units operating across Khost.[citation needed]
The FPFs brought a broader sense of security and prosperity to surrounding areas.[citation needed] Bazaars, shops, and gas stations have improved the quality of life for local residents. The Mandozai Force Protection Facilities in Khost include a medical clinic attached to further assist Afghans in need of basic medical assistance. The offices of Khost's various sub-governors had experienced an increased activity as Afghans went there to settle disputes and voice concerns instead of going through traditional tribal channels and bribes, cutting down on sectarian suspicion and strife.[citation needed]
Throughout 2007 and 2008, roads had been improved, businesses were springing up and schools were being built, at least 50 in 2007 alone with another 25 planned for 2008. A new airport was under construction as the Khost Airfield was used by the US Military, creating new opportunities and jobs.[citation needed] The Provincial Reconstruction Team, led by CDR David Adams was instrumental in connecting the people to the government in Khost City, by ensuring the PRT was able to execute over $2.5 million under the Commanders Emergency Response Program (CERP).[citation needed]
On 12 May 2009, several teams of armed militants stormed Khost, prompting a heavy 6-hour battle with US and Afghan National Army forces. Reportedly the attack involved 10 suicide bombers, of whom seven were able to detonate and three were shot by security forces. Coalition Forces, aided by the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, took the lead in repelling the attack.[citation needed]
On 20 November 2009 a bomb killed 3 civilians and wounded 3 others as a car hit a roadside bomb in Khost City. According to the chief of criminal investigation the act was perpetrated by the Taliban.[11]
On 24 November 2009, according to the Afghan Ministry of Interior, 6 people, including 5 children were killed when a remote control bomb attacked a water station in Khost which had been built by the Rural Rehabilitation Ministry to distribute water to the locals.[12]
On 30 December 2009, a suicide bomber attacked Forward Operating Base Chapman, a major CIA base in Khost, and killed seven CIA officers, including the chief of the base.[13][14][15]
On 18 February 2011, a suicide car bomber targeted a police checkpoint and killed 11 people.[16]
On 14 July 2011, according to a spokesman for the provincial government, NATO ground troops killed six civilians in a night raid of the village of Toora Worai, in an area known as Matoon, about seven kilometres from the Khost provincial capital of Khost city.[17]
On 15 August 2021, Khost was seized by Taliban fighters, becoming the twenty-eighth provincial capital to be captured by the Taliban as part of the wider 2021 Taliban offensive.
At least 29 people died in Khost during the June 2022 Afghanistan earthquake.[18]
Demographics
[edit]The Khost municipality has an estimated population of around 170,615 people, while the whole province has an estimated population of 694,197 people.[2] They are mostly Pashtuns from various tribes such as Banusi, Gurbaz, Ismailkhel, Mangal, Muqbal, Sabari, Tani, Wazir, Zadran, Zazai, etc., residing in 11,787 dwellings.[7] Pashto is the dominant language but many are also fluent in Dari and other languages.
Economy
[edit]Khost serves as one of Afghanistan's trading centers with neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. The Ghulam Khan border crossing between the two countries is located about 20 mi (32 km) to the south. Pine nuts are among the noteworthy export products of the province.[19]
Education
[edit]Khost has a number of public and private schools. After completing high school, students can pursue higher education by either enrolling in Shaikh Zayed University or in other universities across the country.
Sports
[edit]The three most popular sports in Khost are cricket (86%), basketball (19%) and football (11%).[20] The spinners of the Afghanistan national cricket team, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and batsman Noor Ali, as well as Nawroz Mangal, the former captain hail from Khost. Dawlat Zadran, the paceman who grabbed two crucial wickets against Pakistan (in 1st International One Day against Full Member), is also from Khost. In football, Khost and the surrounding region is represented by De Abasin Sape F.C, in the Afghan Premier League.
- Professional sports teams from Khost
| Club | League | Sport | Venue | Established |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paktia Panthers | Afghanistan Premier League | Cricket | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 2018 |
| Mis Ainak Knights | Shpageeza Cricket League | Cricket | Khost Cricket Stadium | 2013 |
| De Abasin Sape F.C. | Afghan Premier League | Football | Khost City Ground | 2012 |
Stadiums
[edit]- Khost Cricket Stadium, constructed with financial support from Germany. The inauguration of the stadium also included an exhibitory match which witnessed a record crowd for any sport played in Afghanistan.
- Khost City Ground, a multi-purpose stadium in Khost for football and other sports.[21]
Notable people
[edit]- Nawroz Mangal
- Noor Ali Zadran
- Mujeeb Zadran
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Fazal Niazai
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Dawlat Zadran
- Noor Ahmad
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "22m afs road constructed in Khost capital". Pajhwok Afghan News. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-25.
- ^ a b c "Estimated Population of Afghanistan 2025-26" (PDF). National Statistics and Information Authority. September 2025. p. 54. Retrieved 2025-12-25.
- ^ "Illegal, unplanned construction banned in Khost". Pajhwok Afghan News. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 2025-12-25.
- ^ "100 Corpses Discovered in Khost Were Reburied on Tuesday". TOLOnews. 13 February 2024. Retrieved 2025-12-25.
- ^ "Khost Climate Normals 1961-1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
- ^ "C Khost, Afghanistan". allmetsat. Retrieved 1 November 2011.
- ^ a b c "The State of Afghan Cities report 2015". Archived from the original on 2015-10-31. Retrieved 2015-10-22.
- ^ "The Ghost of Khost: What History Might Tell Us about the Future of Afghanistan > Air University (AU) > Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs Article Display". www.airuniversity.af.edu. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
- ^ Battle Story: Maiwand 1880. The History Press. March 2013. ISBN 9780752492551.
- ^ "Refworld | Afghanistan: Background information on the Taliban movement".
- ^ "Roadside bomb kills 3 civilians, wound 3 in E Afghanistan " 20 November 2009. Xinhua News. Khost. Accessed at: [1]
- ^ "Afghanistan: Children killed in bomb attack in Khost City." 24 November 2009. Accessed at: [2]
- ^ Gorham, Siobham (December 31, 2009). "Suicide Bombing in Afghanistan Devastates Critical Hub for CIA Activities". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 1, 2010.
- ^ "AP sources: Suicide bomber invited on base". Associated Press. December 31, 2009.
- ^ "Afghanistan suicide bombing kills 8 CIA officers". Los Angeles Times. 2009-12-31. Retrieved 2010-03-28.
- ^ "Afghan suicide car bomber kills 11 in Khost city". bbc.co.uk. 2009-12-31. Retrieved 2011-02-18.
- ^ Afghan officials say NATO raid killed 6 civilians https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/afghan-officials-say-nato-raid-killed-6-civilians-1.996724
- ^ "Afghan Earthquake: Officials Say Transfer of the Wounded Challenging". TOLOnews. 2022-06-22. Retrieved 2023-02-15.
- ^ "Pine Nut Exporters in Khost Say They Cannot Move Product". TOLOnews. 7 December 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
- ^ Majumdar, Boria (2013-05-16). "Out of the ashes: the extraordinary rise and rise of the Afghanistan cricket team". Sport in Society. 16 (6): 839–841. doi:10.1080/17430437.2013.791491. ISSN 1743-0437.
- ^ Pashtunforums.com Archived 2014-01-16 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]
- Khost, Afghanistan Drone 4K Footage 2023 on YouTube
- د خوست ولایت ښکلاوی/ Beauties of Khost Province on YouTube
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