According to IRAF, Qanuni emphasized during an online memorial for General Saree on Sunday, December 28, that: “There is no doubt that Taliban intelligence units are pursuing cross-border operations. General Saree could have served as a unifying figure for former officers and the younger generation to resist the Taliban, which made him a serious target.”
He also referred to similar assassinations in Tajikistan, Tehran, and Mashhad:
“This series of attacks has been initiated by the Taliban, aiming to eliminate individuals capable of establishing leadership in the fight against the Taliban regime.”
Details of the Incident in Tehran
On Wednesday night, unknown assailants opened fire on a vehicle carrying General Saree and Mohammad Amin Almas, a former Afghan police commander in Tehran’s Shahrake-Vali-e Asr. Almas was killed on the spot, and General Saree succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to the hospital.
Less than four months ago, Ma’roof Gholami, a commander close to Isma’eel Khan, was assassinated in Mashhad.
Although widespread speculation exists, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, many Afghan opposition figures consider the Taliban as the primary perpetrators.
Iran’s Official Response: ‘This action is completely condemned’
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday, December 29, issued its first official statement condemning the assassination of General Saree and his companion as “completely condemned.”
Spokesperson Isma’eel Baqaei stated:
“The attempt on two Afghan nationals has been thoroughly followed up by our security authorities. Such actions are completely condemned, and investigations continue with full seriousness.”
This marked Tehran’s first official response since the armed attack on December 23.
Family calls for transparency
Salahuddin Kohistani, General Saree’s brother, requested that Iran conduct a fully transparent investigation. He noted that his brother, even after leaving Afghanistan, continued to support former military personnel and assist Afghan refugees in Iran.
He emphasized that clarifying the circumstances of the attack is vital for the safety of thousands of Afghan refugees in Iran.
Wide reactions in Afghanistan
The assassination has provoked broad reactions among Afghan political and military leaders, including Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostam, Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Amir Mohammad Isma’eel Khan, Mohammad Mohaqiq, Atta Mohammad Noor, Mohammad Alam Izadyar, and other activists calling for a thorough investigation.
Despite ongoing security investigations in Iran, no details regarding the perpetrators or motives have been released.
Who was General Ikramuddin Saree?
General Saree was a well-known Afghan police commander during the republic era, most recently serving as commander of Takhar Police.
He had been recognized as an anti-Taliban figure in northern Afghanistan. After the fall of the previous government in 2021, Saree sought refuge in Iran, where he actively assisted former Afghan military personnel with residency issues, reportedly preventing the forced deportation of many.
