2002 Afghan coup plot

Attempted overthrow of the Afghan Interim Government September 2025 War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) April 2002 Kabul, Afghanistan Coup plot foiled hundreds arrested King Zahir Shah Returned to Afghanistan Loya Jirga proceeded as planned Unknown About 300–350 suspects None Hundreds arrested; some later released 2002 Afghan Coup Plot 25px Afghan Interim Government 25px Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin 25px Hamid Karzai25px Qasim Fahim 25px Bismillah Khan25px Mohammad Zahir Shah (symbolic target, in exile) 25px Gulbuddin Hekmatyar25px Waheedullah Sabawoon 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.4 April 2002 Hundreds Arrested in Afghan Coup Plot https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/asia-jan-june02-afghan_04-04 21 September 2025 PBS4 April 2022 Afghans arrest 350 in a 'plot' https://www.deseret.com/2002/4/4/19647189/afghans-arrest-350-in-a-plot/ 21 September 2025 Deseret News Associated Press 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.Recknagel Charles 9 April 2008 Afghanistan: Ex-King Returns To An Afghanistan Full Of Supporters, Enemies https://www.rferl.org/a/1099445.html 21 September 2025 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 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.Oregan Chris 5 April 2002 Coup Plot Foiled In Kabul https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coup-plot-foiled-in-kabul/ 21 September 2025 CBS NewsIqbal Anwar 4 April 2002 Analysis: Coup plot to weaken Karzai https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2002/04/04/Analysis-Coup-plot-to-weaken-Karzai/72761017964126/ 21 September 2025 United Press InternationalHizb-i-Islami (Islamic Party) https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/hizbi-islami.htm 21 September 2025 GlobalSecurity.org 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.Lakshmanan Indira A.R. 5 April 2002 Afghan government admits mistakes in arrests / But official insists sweep foiled plot to kill Karzai, ex-king https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/afghan-government-admits-mistakes-in-arrests-2855852.php 21 September 2025 SFGate Boston Globe References Category:2000s coups d'état Category:April 2002 in Afghanistan Category:Attempted coups d'état in Asia Category:2002 conflicts