Ahmad Shah Massoud: Remembering Afghanistan’s National Hero 23 Years Later 

Today, September 9, 2024, marks the 23rd anniversary of the assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud, Afghanistan’s national hero. Massoud was killed on September 9, 2001, in a suicide attack in Khwaja Bahauddin district of Takhar province, carried out by individuals posing as journalists. 

This incident occurred just two days before the September 11 attacks in the United States, which led to the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and the fall of the first Taliban regime. During the years of the republic, September 9 was commemorated as Martyrs’ Day, but in the three years since the Taliban group’s return to power, this observance has not been held. 

Salahuddin Rabbani, leader of the Jamiat-e Islami party of Afghanistan, emphasized in a message the importance of drawing inspiration from Massoud’s thoughts and actions. The “National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan” also issued a statement describing Massoud as a symbol of resilience and resistance against extremism and terrorism, highlighting his efforts for social justice and equality. 

Abdullah Abdullah, former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, described Massoud as a “steadfast, moderate, and selfless man,” adding, “The martyred Amir Sahib had a deep understanding of the country’s ethnic and religious diversity.” 

Former President Hamid Karzai called Massoud “a patriotic Afghan” who “consistently fought for the freedom of his homeland.” Karzai also highlighted Massoud’s fighting style and ability to mobilize people. 

Twenty years after Massoud’s martyrdom, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Ahmad Massoud, son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, attempted to form a resistance in Panjshir, but this effort was ultimately unsuccessful. 

Today, the “National Resistance Front of Afghanistan,” led by Ahmad Massoud, claims to be active in several provinces, conducting guerrilla attacks against the Taliban. These events demonstrate that Ahmad Shah Massoud’s legacy of resistance remains alive in Afghanistan. 

Ahmad Shah Massoud’s memory and legacy, 23 years after his martyrdom, continue to live in the hearts of many Afghans, inspiring the struggle for freedom and justice in the country. 

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