Lashkargah

Lashkargah, sometimes spelled Lashkar Gah, is the capital city of Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. Located in the southwestern part of the country, the city sits at an elevation of approximately 495 metres (1,624 ft) above sea level and lies in a semi-arid region characterized by agricultural valleys and dry, rocky terrain. Lashkargah has a population of roughly 100 000–120 000 residents, with a mix of ethnic Pashtun and Uzbek communities. The city’s economy is largely based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of wheat, barley, and opium poppy, as well as livestock rearing. Rural trade and a modest manufacturing sector also contribute to local livelihoods.

Historically, Lashkargah has served as a strategic military hub. During the Soviet–Afghan War it became an important center for Soviet forces, and it later played a key role in the U.S. and NATO-led Operation Enduring Freedom. The city’s location—adjacent to the Helmand River and close to the border with Iran—gave it both logistical importance and vulnerability to insurgent activity. In recent years, efforts by Afghan and international forces to secure the area have included the construction of a significant U.S. airbase, known as Camp Leatherneck, and the installation of a NATO training compound. These facilities have facilitated counterinsurgency operations and the training of Afghan security forces.

The infrastructure of Lashkargah includes a network of roads connecting it to Kandahar, Kabul, and the Iranian border, as well as a small airport that permits charter flights. Water and electricity remain inconsistent in many districts, prompting government and donor initiatives aimed at improving access to basic services. Educational institutions range from primary schools to a provincial university, while healthcare is provided by a mix of public hospitals and private clinics. Despite ongoing security challenges, the city has seen gradual development, and it continues to be an essential administrative, economic, and logistical center in southern Afghanistan.