2002 Afghan coup plot

The 2002 Afghan coup plot was a plan by Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, to overthrow the Afghan Interim Government in April 2002. The plot aimed to assassinate President Hamid Karzai and former King Mohammed Zahir Shah, carry out bombings in Kabul, attack foreign troops, and disrupt the upcoming Loya Jirga. ^{[1] [2]}

2002 Afghan Coup Plot
Part of War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Date April 2002 Location Kabul, Afghanistan Result Coup plot foiled hundreds arrested King Zahir Shah Returned to Afghanistan Loya Jirga proceeded as planned
Belligerents
Afghan Interim Government	Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin
Commanders and leaders
Hamid Karzai Qasim Fahim Bismillah Khan Mohammad Zahir Shah (symbolic target, in exile)	Gulbuddin Hekmatyar Waheedullah Sabawoon
Strength
Unknown	About 300–350 suspects
Casualties and losses
None	Hundreds arrested; some later released

Background

After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Afghanistan was run by an interim government led by President Hamid Karzai. The country was unstable, with different groups and militias competing for power. Former King Mohammed Zahir Shah, who had lived in Italy since 1973, was planning to return and was seen as a unifying figure, but his trip was delayed because of threats to his life. At the same time, Hezb-e-Islami, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, opposed the government and foreign forces. The alleged coup plot happened during this period, as the country prepared for the Loya Jirga, a national assembly to decide the transitional leadership. ^[3]

Plot

According to Afghan officials, the coup plot aimed to assassinate President Hamid Karzai and former King Mohammed Zahir Shah, place bombs around Kabul, attack foreign troops and government officials, and stop the Loya Jirga from taking place. Hundreds of people were arrested in Kabul and nearby areas. Many of the suspects were linked to Hezb-e-Islami, and some were connected to Wahidullah Sabaoon, a former associate of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. ^{[4] [5] [6]}

Aftermath

The Afghan government said the coup plot was stopped before it could be carried out. Many of those arrested were later released, and some innocent people may have been detained. The incident showed that security in Kabul was still weak and delayed the return of former King Mohammed Zahir Shah, who arrived under heavy protection on 18 April 2002. ^[7]

References

1. "Hundreds Arrested in Afghan Coup Plot". PBS . 4 April 2002. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
2. "Afghans arrest 350 in a 'plot'". Deseret News . Associated Press. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
3. Recknagel, Charles (9 April 2008). "Afghanistan: Ex-King Returns To An Afghanistan Full Of Supporters, Enemies". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty . Retrieved 21 September 2025.
4. Oregan, Chris (5 April 2002). "Coup Plot Foiled In Kabul". CBS News . Retrieved 21 September 2025.
5. Iqbal, Anwar (4 April 2002). "Analysis: Coup plot to weaken Karzai". United Press International . Retrieved 21 September 2025.
6. "Hizb-i-Islami (Islamic Party)". GlobalSecurity.org . Retrieved 21 September 2025.
7. Lakshmanan, Indira A.R. (5 April 2002). "Afghan government admits mistakes in arrests / But official insists sweep foiled plot to kill Karzai, ex-king". SFGate . Boston Globe . Retrieved 21 September 2025.