Analysts suggest Ankara’s restraint may reflect an uncomfortable truth — that Turkey’s Afghanistan mission was fundamentally different from that of many of its allies. Turkish troops primarily conducted patrols, guarded facilities, and focused on training and reconstruction efforts. Beyond Kabul, Turkish forces also oversaw Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in regions such as Wardak and Jawzjan. Some analysts believe the Taliban deliberately avoided attacking Turkish forces to avoid alienating local populations that viewed them favorably. “Afghans don’t look at the Turkish forces as foreign forces here,” he said.