The Khost-Gardez Pass has been in use since antiquity, serving as one of the main routes connecting Kabul to locations in the Indian subcontinent. During the Soviet occupation the pass was a frequent location for mujahideen attacks on Soviet convoys. Portions of the pass were paved or otherwise improved by German international development efforts during the 1970s, prior to the Soviet occupation. Remnants of these improvements exist in the form of culverts and some asphalt on the Gardez side of the pass. Because the pass serves to connect Khost to Gardez, and in effect Khost to the rest of Afghanistan it has been the scene of many battles. During the Soviet-Afghan War the pass was controlled by the mujaheddin resulting in the decade long Siege of Khost. In the War in Afghanistan, control of the pass was instrumental since it allowed for resupply of Khost city as well as FOB Salerno and FOB Chapman.