Afghanistan. Panjshir Valley.
A joint investigation team from the United States was conducting an in-depth investigation at the site of the plane crash.
Nearby, a group of militia members stood armed, glaring at the investigators handling high-tech weapons.
Masud, an AK47 in hand, took a drag from his cigarette.
As the commander of the Panjshir resistance forces, he had complicated entanglements with the United States and Europe.
The Soviet Union's biggest mistake was getting involved in the Afghan War, but had they not, Amin was flirting with the United States, rejecting their "invitations" multiple times and even demanding the Soviets to withdraw their ambassador. Oh well, could they indulge him?
They hit him with "Operation Storm 333!"
It had to be said, the Soviets were ruthless.
But similarly, as they became entangled in the war, they spent a fortune every day being dragged down by the quagmire, and their morale plummeted under the guerrilla warfare in the mountains.
At this time, the United States was certainly willing to spend generously, supporting anti-Soviet forces like Masud with money, personnel, and even the latest poppy cultivation technology from India!
And most of these drugs ended up in the CIA's pockets.
You wouldn't expect it, but Afghanistan was actually a famous "producer country." This made sense historically, as the region was repeatedly invaded and struggled to establish a stable, effective government, leaving most areas under tribal and warlord rule, where military leaders made all the decisions.
A classic case of regional fiefdom!
In the 19th century, Afghan ruler Rahman Khan saw the British making money from opium in India and got envious, so he introduced it massively into the country.
Because of its high quality, it greatly impacted British sales overseas, and by 1979, productions accounted for 5% of the world's total.
During the subsequent ten years of war, because money was needed, military leaders started to act recklessly, and even figures like Masud couldn't avoid involvement.
By 1989, poppy production accounted for 45% of the world's supply!
In some respects, it completely surpassed the Golden Triangle and Silver Triangle, becoming the overlord.
The place was a nest of drugs.
Victor was going to take it down sooner or later!
Masud saw two men speaking fluent English as they climbed out of the crater, catching only half of what was said.
It seemed to be about Soviet missiles.
Struck in the belly, black boxes, and so forth.
One of the white men waved to him; the smoking Afghan hesitated, discarded his cigarette on the ground, and ran over, "Mr. Aibend, what's the matter?"
This guy was the United States' full authority in Afghanistan and also an arms dealer,
Many in the "Panjshir resistance forces" had American origins.
"How is the investigation I asked you to assist with going?"
Masud frowned, "My brother is in charge of that. I'll call him over."
The American Aibend nodded.
Masud had Ziya, the man responsible for intelligence, called over to talk to them.
"Our intelligence indicates that at that time point, someone saw a missile launched in a valley belonging to the Northern Alliance, but we still don't know the specifics of its truth or who was behind it."
The fighting capability of the Northern Alliance was formidable, of course, backed by the Yanks and NATO – though after '89, they started to get a bit unruly, pushing towards Kabul.
The Panjshir resistance forces and the Northern Alliance had a vendetta due to ethnic differences, a blood feud spanning hundreds of years. In any case, it was very chaotic.
Aibend glanced at the silent man beside him, who looked rather severe, squinting his eyes, "We hope you can help us. After all, Afghanistan is the United States' territory."
"Of course, that's no problem. We're allies, the best of partners."
Hearing this, Masud felt some discontent. What did he mean by "American territory"? This place belonged to the Afghans.
But he also knew this wasn't the time for such talk.
Still, the annoyance was inevitable.
Aibend and the other man started chatting with complete disregard for Masud and the others next to them, not considering them equals.
"Alright, you can go now," the other man said dismissively with a wave of his hand.
Masud's face reddened with embarrassment, and he agreed and walked away while his brother Ziya muttered dissatisfied, "These Americans are getting too much."
"Yesterday, a bunch of advisors barged into a valley wedding, demanding to see the bride, and they even clashed with the groom's family, injuring two people, acting just like bandits! If it weren't for our men, they might have even assaulted the bride!"
Ziya was angry but spoke in a lowered voice.
Masud frowned and pulled out his homemade cigarette, putting it in his mouth. He hoped for American help but didn't wish for them to become the new "Overlord" after the Soviets were driven out.
The Afghans wanted true independence!
"You keep an eye on it, and if those advisors dare to cause trouble again, tell me. This is Central Asia, not North America. Over there, they're being beaten like dogs by Mr. Victor, unable to act unruly," Masud said.
He referred to Victor respectfully as "Mr."
Because he was a firm believer in "Victorism ideology," a concept that had recently become popular worldwide.
Its core tenet was: Every struggle is filled with cruelty; do not leave your future in the hands of others. You should hold the sword in your hand; peace continues through violence.
This rather extreme "Victorism" had a smaller market in the Latin American region but was very popular in hotspots like the Middle East and Central Asia.