Where Is the Khyber Pass and Why Is the Link Between Pakistan and Afghanistan an Important Military Location?

The Khyber Pass is a mountain pass that cuts through the mountains on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and links both countries.

It’s been used for hundreds of years by traders as well as by invaders.

The pass is about 33 miles (53 km) long.

According to some versions of the Aryan migration theory, the Indo-Aryans migrated to India via the Khyber Pass.

Throughout history the Khyber Pass has been an important strategic military location and trade route between Central Asia and South Asia.

Alexander the Great crossed the Khyber Pass when he invaded Asia.

After the First World War the British built the heavily engineered Khyber Pass Railway, and during WWII concrete tank obstacles were erected to prevent a German tank invasion of India.

Today, the Khyber Pass has been a major resupply route for NATO forces in the Afghan theater of conflict.