Camp Phoenix: A Detailed Overview of the U.S.-Led Base Near Kabul

Camp Phoenix was a major U.S.-led military base located on the eastern outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan. It served as a primary hub for mentoring and training the Afghan National Army and Afghan Police under Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, including the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix. Established in 2003, the base played a central role in developing Afghan national security forces. It was also known as Camp Qargha. Situated near Kabul, the facility was transformed from a former junkyard into a base capable of housing up to 800 soldiers and featured amenities such as a dining facility (DFAC), B-huts, and a gym. Operationally, Camp Phoenix was manned by various Army National Guard units, including the 10th Mountain Division and the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. In 2014, it was officially transferred to Afghan government ownership. Notably, there was no drug rehabilitation centre there.