The Afghan government has ordered a 20% reduction in its security forces due to ongoing budgetary constraints. The decision, backed by a directive from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, is focused on downsizing security institutions, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and intelligence agencies.
The reduction aims to cut costs, with priority given to removing those considered “undesirable” or “unpopular,” reflecting a broader financial struggle. While the initial directive mentioned cutting auxiliary personnel, the government’s implementation appears to be targeting a much wider group, including those linked to the previous Afghan Republic. This shift is raising concerns that financial instability is being used as an excuse to remove personnel with past associations, under the guise of administrative reform.
The move has sparked frustration among those affected, particularly among guards and other dismissed personnel, who feel they are unfairly bearing the brunt of the cuts despite their service.
