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War in Afghanistan

Abdul Raziq

Who Was General Abdul Raziq and Why Was He a Key Figure in the War in Afghanistan?

Direct Answer

Lieutenant General Abdul Raziq was the influential police chief of Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Known as a fierce opponent of the Taliban, he was instrumental in clearing insurgent strongholds in southern Afghanistan and served as a key ally to U.S. forces. On October 18, 2018, he was assassinated by a bodyguard during a high-level security meeting in Kandahar that was also attended by the top U.S. commander in the country, General Austin Miller.

Quick Facts

Full Name

Lieutenant General Abdul Raziq Achakzai

Nationality

Afghan

Service Branch

Afghan National Police

Rank

Lieutenant General

Unit

Kandahar Provincial Police

Regiment

N/A

Battalion

N/A

Division

N/A

Conflict

War in Afghanistan

Battle

Kandahar Security Operations · Resolute Support Mission

Location

Kandahar, Afghanistan

Date of Event

October 18, 2018

Awards

Who Was Abdul Raziq?

Lieutenant General Abdul Raziq Achakzai was one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in southern Afghanistan. As the police chief of Kandahar Province, he commanded significant influence and was widely credited by coalition forces for his role in suppressing the Taliban insurgency in the region.

Early Life

This section is being compiled and will be available soon.

Before the Event

Raziq rose to prominence as a commander who effectively challenged Taliban control in Kandahar. During the U.S.-led surge between 2009 and 2012, he was a vital partner for international forces, utilizing his local influence and fighters to reclaim territory from insurgents in Kandahar, Helmand, and Uruzgan provinces.

What Happened

On October 18, 2018, Raziq attended a high-level security meeting at the governor's compound in Kandahar. The meeting included the provincial governor and General Austin Miller, the commander of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. As the officials were leaving, a bodyguard opened fire, killing Raziq and the provincial intelligence chief. General Miller escaped the attack unharmed, though several other individuals were wounded.

Defining Moment

The assassination was carried out by a Taliban-affiliated infiltrator who had gained access to the secure compound. The attack was a major blow to the Afghan government's security apparatus in the south, as Raziq had survived numerous previous assassination attempts throughout his career.

Aftermath

Following his death, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that Raziq and the American commander were the primary targets. The Afghan government appointed Raziq's brother, Taadin Khan, as the acting police chief to maintain stability in the province. The event significantly impacted the security landscape in southern Afghanistan.

Later Life

Abdul Raziq's life was cut short by the events described above. Their sacrifice is remembered and honored.

Why It Matters

Raziq's death marked the loss of a central pillar of security in southern Afghanistan. His career illustrated the complex nature of the war, where he was viewed by many as a patriotic defender of the state and a necessary bulwark against the Taliban, while his methods and consolidation of power remained subjects of intense debate.

The Story in 10 Seconds

Lieutenant General Abdul Raziq was the powerful police chief of Kandahar, Afghanistan, and a staunch opponent of the Taliban. He was a key U.S. ally in the region until he was assassinated by a bodyguard during a security meeting in 2018, an event that significantly destabilized the southern provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdul Raziq

1Who was General Abdul Raziq?+

Abdul Raziq Achakzai was a high-ranking Afghan official who served as the police chief of Kandahar Province. He was widely recognized as one of the most powerful and influential commanders in southern Afghanistan, known for his aggressive stance against the Taliban and his close cooperation with U.S. and NATO forces.

2How did General Abdul Raziq die?+

General Raziq was assassinated on October 18, 2018, in an insider attack. While attending a security meeting at the governor's compound in Kandahar, a bodyguard opened fire on the attendees. Raziq and the provincial intelligence chief were killed in the shooting.

3Was the U.S. commander present during the attack?+

Yes, General Austin Miller, the commander of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, was present at the meeting in Kandahar. He was not injured in the attack, although several other officials and Americans were wounded.

4Why was Raziq considered a controversial figure?+

While many Afghans and coalition leaders viewed Raziq as a patriot and a vital ally who kept the Taliban at bay, he was also a polarizing figure. His consolidation of power in Kandahar and his methods of maintaining control were frequently discussed by observers and human rights groups throughout his tenure.