Afghanistan’s opposition movements and political figures have condemned the killing of former police chief Gen. Ikramuddin Saree in Tehran, describing it as an act of terror and warning that it has heightened fears among former security officials living abroad.
The National Resistance Front, the Freedom Front and the Jamiat-e Islami said in separate statements that the killing of Ikramuddin Saree underscored growing risks faced by former Afghan military and security figures in exile.
In a statement posted on X, Jamiat-e Islami said such killings – particularly in cities where Afghanistan’s diplomatic and consular missions are now controlled by the Taliban – were “a serious cause for concern”, and urged Iranian authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The National Resistance Front said the killing was not an isolated incident, adding that prominent Afghan military and security figures have previously been targeted in what it described as “targeted assassinations” in Iran.
“This tragic incident has sparked deep anger and concern among the Afghan people, especially refugees,” the NRF said, calling the killing an act of terror and urging Iran to conduct an independent, transparent investigation.
The Freedom Front accused the Taliban of responsibility for the killing, describing it as part of what it called a broader campaign to eliminate former Afghan security personnel beyond Afghanistan’s borders.
Former intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil expressed condolences, saying the killing had deeply shaken Afghans at home and abroad.
Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan’s charge d’affaires to the United Nations, described the killing in the heart of Tehran as an “organised crime” and a serious warning sign.
“The elimination of former Afghan security officials continues even in exile, while the perpetrators enjoy complete impunity,” Faik wrote on X, calling for immediate and transparent investigations and accountability.
Former lawmaker Fawzia Koofi said the incident reflected the growing insecurity and uncertainty faced by Afghans, particularly those living in neighbouring countries.
Sources said Saree, who served as police chief of Takhar province under the previous government, was killed in an attack in Tehran. One of his companions was also killed and another wounded, the sources said.
Saree left Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and later moved to Iran. He was detained and questioned by Iranian security forces in late 2024 before being released, according to the sources.
Following the collapse of the former Afghan government, many former security officials fled to neighbouring countries, including Iran and Pakistan, fearing reprisals. Some have since been deported due to a lack of legal residency documents.
Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on the killing.