Military

Reports: Taliban Execute Surrendered Police Chief in Chilling Video

August 20, 2021Hannah Ray Lambert
execution

Video shared across social media appears to show Haji Mullah Achakzai, the police chief of the Badghis province, blindfolded and bound before Taliban fighters shoot him multiple times. Images via Twitter and Facebook.

Disturbing video surfaced Thursday, Aug. 19, allegedly showing the Taliban executing the police chief of the Badghis province, a stark contradiction to promises of amnesty for their enemies.


The video shows a man identified as Haji Mullah Achakzai blindfolded and kneeling before being surrounded by Taliban fighters who shot him multiple times, Newsweek reported. Achakzai fought the Taliban alongside the Afghan civil government, and insurgents had been searching for him since taking control of Afghanistan, according to Newsweek.


“He was surrounded by the Taliban and had no choice but to surrender,” Afghan security adviser Nasser Waziri told Newsweek. In a tweet sharing the chilling video, Waziri said the execution happened Wednesday night.


A Taliban spokesman reassures viewers Kabul is safe in a video posted to Twitter Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. Screenshot via Twitter.

Video of the execution has been shared widely on Twitter, the same platform where Taliban spokesmen have repeated assurances that the new regime “has its door open for all those who have previously worked and helped the invaders, or are now standing in the ranks of the corrupt Kabul [administration]” and promised not to harm “life, property and honor.”


If true, Achakzai’s slaying adds to concerns that the Taliban’s new charm offensive is simply an act. Members of the Afghan National Army have told Coffee or Die Magazine that the Taliban are going “house by house” searching for those who formerly stood with the United States, actions Taliban spokesmen deny.


Taliban pledges that women’s rights and the rights of journalists would be respected are also being met with growing skepticism.


In his first news conference this week, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group wanted private media to “remain independent” but said journalists “should not work against national values.” On Friday, Reuters reported that Taliban fighters searching for a journalist from the German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle shot and killed one member of the journalist’s family and injured another. Afghan journalists have reported being beaten and having their homes raided, and some female journalists have been told they are not allowed on TV.


Read Next: An Afghan Translator Became a US Soldier — Now He Fears for His Family



Hannah Ray Lambert
Hannah Ray Lambert

Hannah Ray Lambert is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die who previously covered everything from murder trials to high school trap shooting teams. She spent several months getting tear gassed during the 2020-2021 civil unrest in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not working, Hannah enjoys hiking, reading, and talking about authors and books on her podcast Between Lewis and Lovecraft.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved