pulling local security

[meliss]

Hi, I do not understand the meaning of the word "pull" here: what were they doing - ensuring local security? Thank you.
"The Taliban fighting forces were arrayed across the north. They were not regular armies but fronts made up of cadres of fighters under various commanders. These fronts faced the Northern Alliance forces near Kabul, Badakhshan, and Mazar-e-Sharif. The Taliban had other cadres in the south and east where there was no fighting. They were either organizing to go fight in the north or pulling local security. " (Carter Malkasian, The American War in Afghanistan)

 

[Flamenco1]

They were either organizing to go fight in the north or pulling local security. " (Carter Malkasian, The American War in Afghanistan)

First an observation. The use of the word 'fronts' could be interpreted in many ways, but here it is very unclear. Possibly he defined it earlier?

As for "pulling local security," one can guess he means "serving as" or "replacing" or "removing" - all very different.

Maybe this is some form of military slang? Or Taliban slang? Or maybe our US colleagues can spread some light?

 

[probus]

It's hard to be absolutely certain without more context but I'm pretty sure it's American military slang for a duty assignment. A soldier ordered to stand guard is pulling guard duty, and one who has to peel potatos is pulling KP (kitchen patrol).