Former Afghan Army Leader Reveals Lack of Security Plans Amid Taliban Advances

The former head of the Afghan National Army’s Strategic Command has stated that in the final days of the republic, there was no security plan for Kabul within the Ministry of Defense.

Lack of Defense Strategy in the Ministry of Defense

Hibatullah Alizai, who previously served as the head of the Afghan National Army’s Strategic Command, revealed in an interview with CBS that during the last days of the republic, the Ministry of Defense had no plans in place to ensure the security of Kabul.

He highlighted the Taliban’s growing advances and mentioned that under these circumstances, then-President Ashraf Ghani appointed him to lead the Strategic Command. Alizai recalled that just four days into his role, Ghani requested him to devise a plan for defending Kabul, despite believing such a plan should have already been prepared.

Defensive Measures and Delays in Decision-Making

Alizai noted that in mid-June 2021, two months before the capital’s fall, he had developed a plan to counter the Taliban and submitted it to the Ministry of Defense. He explained that the decision-making process within the government was extremely sluggish, and the leadership faced significant challenges in making necessary decisions.

According to the former Strategic Command head, Afghan forces had options to confront the Taliban at that time, but the pace of developments was not in their favor.

Political Developments and Their Impact on the Fall of the Government

Alizai also dismissed claims that Afghan forces collapsed without resistance, emphasizing that troops were engaged in battles in various regions, including around Kabul and Helmand province. He added that the government’s downfall was primarily driven by political negotiations with the Taliban and was not related to military capability.

After Ashraf Ghani fled the country, Alizai believed that there was still a chance for resistance, as Afghan forces were present in different areas of Kabul and other provinces. However, the rapid advance of the Taliban, the exit of U.S. and NATO troops, and the eventual collapse of the political structure led to the fall of Kabul on August 15, 2021.