Sarandoy | |
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![]() Sarandoy gendarmes at a checkpoint (LIFE magazine) | |
Active | 1978–1992 |
Country | Afghanistan |
Allegiance | Democratic Republic of Afghanistan |
Branch | Ministry of Interior Affairs |
Type | Gendarmerie Military reserve force |
Role | Reserve army Internal security Anti-tank warfare Counter-insurgency Counter-intelligence Covert operation Desert warfare Mountain warfare Executive protection Force protection HUMINT Law enforcement Manhunt Raiding Reconnaissance Security checkpoint Tracking Traffic police |
Size | 115,000 men (at height) |
Headquarters | Kabul |
Nickname(s) | "Defenders of the Revolution" |
Engagements | Soviet–Afghan War Afghan Civil War (1989–1992) Afghanistan–Pakistan border skirmishes |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | General Sayed Mohammad Gulabzoy General Mohammad Aslam Watanjar |
The Sarandoy (Pashto: څارندوی - "Defenders of the Revolution"; also spelled Tsarandoi) were the gendarmerie force of the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan under the Ministry of Interior from 1978 to 1992,[1] during the Soviet–Afghan War.