Mattis: Recent Attack in Kandahar Will Not Affect Afghanistan's Security Situation

James Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated on Thursday, October 18, that the killing of an Afghan police commander on the eve of the country's elections will not significantly impact Afghanistan's security situation. On Thursday, General Abdul Raziq, one of Afghanistan's most powerful intelligence figures and the police chief of Kandahar, was killed during a shooting by one of his guards. Mattis described the death of General Abdul Raziq as the 'tragic death of a patriot' and expressed his belief that Afghan security forces have reached a level of maturity where they can continue to fight the Taliban. The U.S. Secretary of Defense emphasized that the U.S. is fully committed to the Afghan-led national reconciliation process. As we approach the election date, we will continue to defend the people of Afghanistan. Several Afghan officials were killed during the shooting; however, the American general survived. Mattis clarified that the impact of terrorist actions is temporary, and it is too early to discuss the effect of this attack on the upcoming Afghan elections. This attack occurred while military and security commanders and local officials were meeting at the governor's office to coordinate the parliamentary elections in Kandahar province. General Scott Miller, the senior American commander in Afghanistan, who had just met with Abdul Raziq moments earlier, was unharmed in the attack. Afghan officials stated that one of Abdul Raziq's guards opened fire as he was leaving a meeting with Miller and other local officials. Election campaigning ended on Thursday amid intensified attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State group across the country. More than 2,500 candidates, including 417 women, will compete for 249 seats in the Afghan House of Representatives. About 54,000 military and police personnel will be responsible for protecting polling stations on election day.