The Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta has reported that under a “reached agreement,” the Taliban is sending a group of its fighters to China for radar training.
According to the outlet, graduates of the program may be deployed to help secure Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar, where concerns about potential drone strikes have grown following recent Israeli drone attacks on Iran.
The report cites a confidential Taliban document signed by Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, which states: “In line with the decision and plan of the Ministry of Defense leadership, it has been decided that 22 individuals will be sent to China for professional training and skill development in radar systems.”
The document instructs the Taliban Air Force command to nominate “talented, loyal, and qualified” individuals for the mission.
The newspaper adds that unidentified drones—possibly American or Pakistani—are frequently spotted in Kandahar’s skies, where Hibatullah is based.
Citing sources in Afghanistan, the report claims that over the past summer, Akhundzada’s inner circle has focused heavily on strengthening his security, particularly against aerial threats. There are fears that not only the U.S. or Islamic State, but also disaffected Taliban commanders with drone expertise, could target him.
The outlet further alleges that Akhundzada’s circle has sought advice from Iranian specialists, though Taliban leaders decided against relying on Iranian expertise in air defense after witnessing the losses suffered by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commanders during the Iran-Israel conflict.
Deeyar TV cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims or the document cited by the Russian newspaper.
