Former Afghan Police Chief Assassinated in Tehran – Second Attack on Opposition Figures in Iran

General Saree, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, was shot dead under unclear circumstances. Iranian authorities have yet to comment, but sources confirm he was briefly detained and questioned by Iranian security in November 2024.

The assassination follows a pattern of violence against exiled Afghan military and political figures in Iran, highlighting their vulnerability despite seeking refuge. Many former officials face deportation threats due to irregular residency, compounding security risks.

General Saree, former police commander of provinces such as Nuristan and Baghlan, was a vocal critic of the Taliban and an advocate for exiled Afghan military personnel in Iran. His assassination follows the killing of Maroof Ghulami, another opposition figure, in Mashhad earlier this year.

Sources close to both victims accuse the Taliban of orchestrating the attacks, leveraging Iran’s diplomatic ties and silence. Despite detaining suspects, Iranian authorities have not publicly disclosed investigation details or formally implicated the Taliban, raising concerns about political motives.

Critics argue that Iran’s close relationship with the Taliban—evidenced by handing over Afghan diplomatic missions to the group—has created a permissive environment for cross-border assassinations. Afghan refugees and former military officials now fear they are unprotected targets, even on foreign soil.

As Taliban-linked assassinations of Afghan opposition figures rise in Iran, the Islamic Republic’s silence and diplomatic alignment with the Taliban draw sharp criticism. Refugees and ex-military personnel face escalating threats, with little protection from host authorities. The killings signal a dangerous expansion of Taliban extraterritorial targeting.