Sheikh Hibatullah Convenes Military Meeting in Kandahar
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29 April 2025
Summary:
On 27 April 2025, the Islamic Emirate's leadership, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada, initiated an extraordinary political security meeting at the provincial headquarters in Kandahar. The meeting focused on reorganizing security structures, implementing downsizing processes, reforming police and intelligence departments, and developing cost-reduction strategies.
Key attendees included Shiekh Hibatullah, Mullah Fazel Akhund (1st Deputy of the Ministry of Defense), Mullah Taj Mir Jawad (Deputy for Intelligence Operations), Sadr Ibrahim (Security Deputy of the Ministry of Interior), members of the Military Leadership Council, special advisors, the Governor of Kandahar Mullah Shireen Akhund, the Kandahar Chief of Police, and the Head of Intelligence for Kandahar.
The following critical decisions were made:
First Major Decision: a large-scale restructuring of the police force. It was decided that 50% of urban and district security officials would be swapped. Half of the urban personnel would be transferred to districts and vice versa. The goal is to create a space for better collaboration and increased transparency.
Second Major Decision: Merging nearby urban security and intelligence zones to form a single organizational command. This aims to increase administrative focus and improve resource efficiency.
Third Major Decision: To cut economic expenses, 50% of the current security outposts would be reduced. Related posts in cities and districts would also be reduced, and forces would be redeployed to central units.
Field Analysis: If these measures are implemented, they may lead to greater security gaps between regions. This could offer more operational spaces to criminal groups, ISIS-K, and political resistance forces, especially in urban areas. Additionally, differences in experience and environmental familiarity between city and district police may reduce effectiveness in enforcing security.
Brief Overview of Recent Security Conditions in Kandahar and Other Provinces:
In recent months, there has been a surge in politically armed attacks, criminal threats, and various violent incidents in Kandahar, Helmand, Nangarhar, and even the capital, Kabul. Reports indicate that up to 50% of these incidents involve individuals affiliated with the Islamic Emirate. This has led to growing suspicion and fear, with people feeling increasingly unsafe and uncertain about protecting their lives and property.
Field Comment: The Kandahar meeting marks a new phase in the Taliban’s security policy under the Islamic Emirate. However, if these policies are not aligned with public realities and local ground conditions, they may result in reduced public trust, weakened security control, and increased vulnerability to emerging threats.
Contact: The contact has a verified history of reliable reporting. The contact acquired information via multiple unidentified and unverified sub-contacts.
GCV Note: Probable