CIA Report Details on the Attack Against the Taliban Leader and His Security Structure.
A report published by Sarah Adams, former CIA officer, revealed details of a failed assassination attempt on Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, in Kandahar, describing it as “the most dangerous internal threat to the Taliban leadership” since the fall of the Afghan Republic. The attack occurred on November 10, 2025, at 17:13 at the Kandahar Central Jihadi School, a hub managing the Taliban school network across Afghanistan. The attacker, Hafiz Sadiqullah, a member of the “215 Azm” Corps from Helmand, had direct access to Hibatullah.
Adams’ report also outlines the leader’s extensive, multi-layered security system. Hibatullah’s protection relies not only on close guards but also on a large network responsible for local control, border route management, and even smuggling, which plays a critical role in maintaining his influence and stability.
The security system is based on three main layers, with the innermost layer being the “Close Protection Unit,” consisting of roughly one thousand fighters. This unit is commanded by Mullah Abdullah Jan Akhundzada, known as Hafiz Nazar, with Mullah Mohammad Zarif Zarar as his deputy. This team is responsible for the direct protection of Hibatullah, his family, and key advisors, forming the closest level of security around the Taliban leader.
