Abdul Raziq Achakzai
Abdul Raziq Achakzai, also known as General Raziq, (Pashto: عبدالرازق اڅکزی; Dari: عبدالرازق اچکزی; 1979 – October 18, 2018) was the chief of police for Kandahar Province. Many Afghans regarded him as a national hero while others viewed him simply as a warlord. In late 2001, Achakzai became a member of Gul Agha Sherzai's forces whom the Taliban had surrendered to after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Achakzai was considered to be one of the most powerful security officials in Afghanistan for the last few years of his life.
Abdul Raziq Achakzai Hero of the Afghan Nation | |
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Achakzai in 2012 | |
| Native name | عبدالرازق اڅکزی |
| Birth name | Abdul Raziq |
| Born | 1979 Spin Boldak, Kandahar, Afghanistan |
| Died | October 18, 2018 (aged 39) Kandahar, Afghanistan |
| Allegiance | Islamic Republic of Afghanistan |
| Service/ | Afghan Border Police |
| Years of service | 2002–2018 |
| Rank | Lieutenant general |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Spouse(s) | 3 |
After surviving several assassination attempts over the years, Achakzai was killed in an insider attack by a bodyguard of the provincial governor, who opened fire on him and other security officials after a meeting with the U.S. Army General Scott Miller at the governor's compound in Kandahar. Achakzai was succeeded by his brother, Tadeen Khan, who has no military related experience. Tadeen's nomination was a result of heavy pressure from powerful tribal elders who pressured the Afghan government to overlook his lack of experience and training.