September 9th marks the twelfth anniversary of the death of Afghan national hero Ahmad Shah Massoud who was murdered by Al-Qaeda. Massoud known to his admirers as the “Lion of Panjshir”, a name given to him for his success as a military commander during the war against Soviet occupation, is revered by many Afghans as a national hero whose murder just two days before 9/11 was intended to eliminate the resistance to the Taliban. A decade later, Massoud’s vision of respect for human rights, a government chosen by a real election and women participating in government is coming to fruition. Millions of children including girls go to school, access to healthcare has expanded, roads are being build, free elections are being held, and the transfer of full security responsibility to Afghan National Security Forces is ongoing. We join the Afghan nation in honoring the death anniversary of their national hero and extend our best wishes and continuous friendship and partnership as they celebrate this national holiday.
Aria2013
DET–US CENTCOM
Aria2013
DET–US CENTCOM




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