Bombers of the Pakistan Air Force reportedly carried out airstrikes late on Saturday night targeting the command centre of a special security unit assigned to Hibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar.
According to a report by Afghanistan International, the elite unit consists of around 7,000 personnel, with approximately 1,200 members specifically responsible for Akhundzada’s personal security. The unit is reportedly equipped with more advanced US-made weapons compared with other Taliban forces.
The report said Pakistani aircraft targeted the unit around District 13 of Kandahar city on Saturday night. Local residents said the explosions were extremely loud and could be heard across distant areas.
Following the airstrike, another Taliban facility in the upscale Aino Mina area of the city was also reportedly attacked. In the past, this neighbourhood was said to have housed safe locations linked to the banned group Balochistan Liberation Army.
The Taliban’s ‘Omari Unit’
The Taliban refer to this elite security formation as the “Omari Unit”, which is stationed at a base in the Mianko mountain range north of Kandahar city.
The base is reportedly located at the former residence of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar, now known as “Mullah Sahib Sarai”, which currently serves as the headquarters of Akhundzada’s special unit.
The commander of the unit is said to be one of Akhundzada’s close associates, Mullah Abdul Ahad.
Branches of this unit are reportedly present across several Afghan provinces, including Kabul, Nangarhar Province, Paktia Province, Logar Province, Kunduz Province, Badakhshan Province, Panjshir Province, and Nimroz Province.
Sources say the unit not only protects Akhundzada but also leads specialised operations against Islamic State – Khorasan Province.
Compared with other Taliban departments such as the defence and interior ministries, this special unit reportedly receives greater resources and equipment.
Sources further claimed that after the airstrikes, Taliban authorities in Kandahar issued an “urgent call” ordering all members to report immediately.
