The Taliban flags flying over its ramparts are the surest of signs to people like Salem they have been left to fend for themselves. Now the headquarters, like other foreign bases in the country, lies empty after being abandoned overnight. At one of these visits in 2017, Mattis told reporters he condemned the Taliban for the bombing of an Afghan army base saying: “We stand with the people of this country against such heinous acts perpetrated by this barbaric enemy.”

It hosted dignitaries like John Kerry and James Mattis, who would take photo ops with U.S. and its allies provide security for a variety of NATO bases throughout Kabul, including the headquarters of Operation Resolute Support in Kabul, one of many command centers for a military occupation spanning nearly twenty years. ‘No Idea Where He Is’: Rescued From the Taliban but Plunged Into Immigration Hell He wanted his story to be told so that the world would not forget who was left behind. He is just one of the estimated tens of thousands of Afghans who risked his life to help the U.S.-led war effort in Afghanistan, but remains trapped in the country. Like many Afghans, the crumbling economy has reduced Salem to destitution. Behind him is a scrap metal junkyard and on the other side of the road are stalls where people in Kabul are selling their family furniture and clothing to make ends meet.

His immaculately clean white robes and confidence are a stark contrast to the poverty of the scene around him. When he stands to introduce himself, his back is straight, and he speaks as if he was still barking orders to his troops. There’s no anger in his voice, only a hint of sadness and regret. He is sitting on a dirty and tattered rug on the streets in a rundown bazaar in central Kabul. KABUL-“I was once the commander of guards at a NATO base,” Mohammed Salem tells The Daily Beast as he prepares a lukewarm cup of chai.

Fallout new vegas mobile truck base