Thread by @latimes

The Afghan Air Force has been crucial for supplying food, ammunition and medical assistance in Taliban-controlled districts.

But their fate is uncertain, as U.S. and NATO forces withdraw.

The story from @NabihBulos, with pictures by @YamPhoto:

latimes.com/world-nation/s…

The U.S. has spent $8.5 billion on the program since 2010. Its lack of available resources after U.S. departure could bring it to a brutal end.

Here, a UH-60 Blackhawk passes Arghandab Dam after a mission north of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Taliban-controlled regions are unreachable by the roads, so a grounded aircraft can be catastrophic for those who rely on air support for resources.

These missions are getting increasingly dangerous. Pictured, a wounded soldier takes off from Shah Wali Kot outpost in Kandahar.

Pilots face Taliban threats, grueling conditions and poorly trained support. The contractors that used to work alongside the Afghan Air Force are disappearing.

“Before, a company did this. Now it’s gone. There’s no training at all for the UH-60,” said one Colonel.

Read the full story from @NabihBulos, accompanied photography by @YamPhoto, here:

latimes.com/world-nation/s…