Lt Gen (ret) Haibatullah Alizai
Lieutenant General Haibatullah Alizai is a distinguished Afghan military leader renowned for his pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s defense forces during a period of profound national upheaval. Born in Helmand province, Alizai commenced his service as a police officer, concentrating on internal investigations and advocating for humanitarian treatment of detainees. His dedication and leadership propelled him to the National Directorate of Security, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and served as Director of Operations for the Joint Special Operations Coordination Centre .
Alizai’s military education includes training at the National Police Academy in Kabul and the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the UK’s Defence Academy. His international education equipped him with strategic insights that he applied throughout his career. In the Ministry of Defense, he held several key positions, including Director General for Military Operations, where he streamlined operations across various military branches .
He commanded the 209th Shaheen Army Corps and later the Afghan Special Operations Corps, leading critical operations against Taliban forces in northern Afghanistan. Notably, he thwarted two Taliban attempts to seize Farah province and played a significant role in suppressing insurgents in Kandahar’s Arghandab district .
On August 11, 2021, amid escalating conflict, Alizai was appointed Chief of General Staff of the Afghan National Army. During the Taliban’s rapid advance, he provided leadership from Hamid Karzai International Airport, overseeing evacuation efforts until the cessation of U.S. military airlifts.
Following the fall of Kabul, Alizai relocated to the United States, where he has continued to advocate for Afghanistan’s stability. He has warned of the country’s descent into civil war due to Taliban factionalism and the resurgence of terrorist groups . Despite facing personal challenges, including working as a security sector in the U.S., Alizai remains committed to uniting Afghans in the diaspora and addressing the ongoing crisis in his homeland .
Lieutenant General Haibatullah Alizai’s career reflects unwavering dedication to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and the resilience of its people