| Sarandoy | |
|---|---|
 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.
- ^ Karp, Craig (March 1988), US Department of State Bulletin, US Department of State