Russia recruits Afghan commandos to bolster forces in Ukraine: 'Surprising' effect of US military drawdown

The U.S. reportedly spent around $90 billion to establish the 20,000- to 30,000-member fighting force, which spent almost 20 years fighting alongside the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

The force, comprised of 20,000 to 30,000 volunteer commandos, have faced persecution in their homeland after the U.S. departed as the Taliban took control of the country. A few hundred senior officials evacuated during the withdrawal, leaving thousands of soldiers to try and escape to neighboring countries or hide to avoid capture and execution.  Peter Aitken is a Fox News Digital reporter with a focus on national and global news. 

A Department of Defense spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the Pentagon has "seen the reports" and that officials will "monitor" the situation but have nothing to say on the matter today. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.