National Directorate of Security

National Directorate of Security. It is the primary domestic and foreign intelligence agency of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, established in 2002 following the United States invasion of Afghanistan and the fall of the Taliban's first regime. Modeled with significant assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency and other Western intelligence services, it was tasked with counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and ensuring national stability. The agency played a central role in the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) against insurgent groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and later the Islamic State – Khorasan Province.

History

The agency was formally created by a decree from President Hamid Karzai in 2002, succeeding the notorious communist-era intelligence service KhAD, which operated during the Soviet–Afghan War and the subsequent Afghan Civil War (1992–1996). Its formation was a cornerstone of the post-Bonn Agreement (2001) state-building efforts, heavily supported by the United States and its NATO allies. Throughout the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), it evolved into a key partner for the International Security Assistance Force, conducting joint operations with the Central Intelligence Agency and MI6. Its activities intensified following the resurgence of the Taliban and the emergence of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province in the region. The agency's infrastructure and operations largely collapsed with the 2021 Taliban offensive and the subsequent Fall of Kabul (2021), after which the Taliban re-established their own intelligence apparatus.

Organization and structure

The agency was organized into several directorates, often paralleling the structure of Western intelligence services like the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Key divisions included a Counterterrorism Directorate focused on groups such as al-Qaeda, a Counterintelligence Directorate, and a Signals Intelligence unit. It maintained a significant presence in all 34 provinces, with regional headquarters in critical cities like Kandahar and Jalalabad. Specialized units, such as the Counter Terrorism Department and the National Interdiction Unit, worked closely with allied forces from the United States Armed Forces and the British Army. The agency also operated detention facilities, including the former Salt Pit black site.

Functions and responsibilities

Its primary mandate was national security intelligence, encompassing the collection of information on domestic and international threats. Core functions included conducting counterterrorism operations against the Taliban, Haqqani network, and Islamic State – Khorasan Province, as well as counter-narcotics efforts in a country that is a major producer of opium. The agency was responsible for protective security for senior Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials and critical infrastructure. It also engaged in foreign intelligence gathering and maintained liaison relationships with services like the Central Intelligence Agency, MI6, and RAW.

Leadership

The director was appointed by the President of Afghanistan and reported directly to the head of state. The first director was Amrullah Saleh, a former Northern Alliance member who later became First Vice President of Afghanistan. He was succeeded by individuals such as Asadullah Khalid, who had previously served as Minister of Tribal and Border Affairs. The final director under the republic was Ahmad Zia Saraj. Leadership tenures were often marked by the complex political dynamics between the Presidential Palace in Kabul, the United States Department of State, and powerful regional warlords.

Controversies and criticism

The agency faced persistent allegations of human rights abuses, including torture at facilities like Department 124 and the use of forced disappearances, documented by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. It was frequently accused of operating outside the legal framework of the Afghan Constitution and was implicated in several high-profile incidents, including the torture and death of detainees. Critics, including Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, argued its methods undermined the rule of law and fueled resentment. Its close partnership with the Central Intelligence Agency in targeted killings and drone strikes also drew significant controversy both domestically and internationally.

Category:Intelligence agencies Category:Government of Afghanistan