The TAPI project to transport Turkmen gas through Afghan territory to Pakistan and India is one of the most important and long-awaited projects in Central Asia. Turkmenistan has been trying for years to achieve its dream, but security reasons in the region and differences between the participating countries prevented this.

After the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban movement demanded that Turkmanistan resume work on laying pipes and begin work inside Afghan territory. The Afghan Interior Ministry formed a special force to protect and guard the project.