Throughout the course of the long war in Afghanistan, Coalition troops have relied on thousands of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, or target enemy combatants. Not only are they active on the front lines, but behind the lines they serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, and loyal companions. They also share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefields. Gathered here are images of these dogs and their handlers in Afghanistan and back home, from over the past several years, part of the ongoing series here on Afghanistan.

Evel Knievel is shown in his rocket before his failed attempt at a highly promoted 3/4-mile leap across Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho, on September 8, 1974. The jump failed when the parachute on his rocket malfunctioned, opening prematurely. Knievel was uninjured. (Photo by AP Photo)

A dancer attends the final rehearsal for the new “VIVID Grand Show” at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, Germany, September 26, 2018. (Photo by Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters)

Drunk fresher is helped by students as she falls to the ground on night out at during the alcohol-fuelled Freshers’ Week in Birmingham, United Kingdom on September 18, 2017. Freshers are inducted during Freshers' Week – the first week of the Academic year – one of the busiest and most fun weeks of the year. (Photo by Caters News Agency)

Actress Liv Tyler, 40, stripped in shots for the Triumph Essence's Autumn/Winter 2017 campaign in November, 2017. The Essence line is Triumph’s premium offering, with this season taking on the theme of “opulent Art Nouveau”, featuring designs in velvet embellished mesh, Leavers lace and silk satin. (Photo by Rankin/The Mega Agency)

Drinking from a helmet at a graduation ceremony held by the Military University of the Russian Defence Ministry at Moscow's Victory Park in Moscow, Russia on June 15, 2019. (Photo by Gavriil Grigorov/TASS)

A woman cries while being escorted by police officers during an anti-government protest in Santiago, Chile, 07 November 2019. A proposed increase in the price of metro fares sparked a series of anti-government protests that have left at least 20 people dead. The protestors are demanding improvements in the quality of healthcare, education and general distribution of wealth in Chile. (Photo by Orlando Barría/EPA/EFE)

A child applies make-up as a mimic while asking for alms from passers-by at a market area ahead of the festival of Diwali in New Delhi on October 22, 2022. (Photo by Sajjad Hussain/AFP Photo)