Mohammed Daud Daud

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Mohammad Daud Daud (January 1, 1969 – May 28, 2011) was a Tajik Afghan general and security leader who helped rebuild Afghanistan’s police and fight the Taliban, especially in the north. Born in Farkhar district, Takhar Province, he joined the resistance during the Soviet–Afghan War and later worked with Ahmad Shah Massoud, becoming his trusted aide and a key commander in the northeast.

Daud led forces against the Taliban during their rise to power and played a central role in the November 2001 siege of Kunduz, helping to drive the Taliban from the city. After the war, he served as governor of Takhar Province and rose to lieutenant general. He was appointed commander of the northeast army corps and, in 2004, became Deputy Interior Minister for Counter-Narcotics, heading the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan.

In his counter-narcotics role, Daud worked with international partners to curb opium production and drug trafficking. He announced large eradication campaigns and helped establish a local police force to improve security in the north. He also led efforts to disband illegal armed groups through the DIAG program, aiming to reduce militias and corruption.

Daud was known for hands-on leadership and a strong focus on civilian safety. He emphasized discipline for local militias and stressed protecting civilians in operations. From 2010 to 2011, he led the 303 Pamir Corps and was the northern region’s police chief.

Daud was killed on May 28, 2011, in an attack at the Takhar governor’s office. The Taliban claimed responsibility, and his death was widely mourned as a major setback for security in northern Afghanistan.