This Afghan Governor Fought alongside Security Forces to Protect the Indian Consulate

Atta Mohammed Noor, governor of the Balkh province in Afghanistan, fought alongside Afghan security forces to repel the recent attack by terrorists on the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif.

By Vandita Kapoor

January 6, 2016

In Afghanistan on Sunday, terrorists attacked the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif. Afghan security forces fought back and bravely thwarted the attack. Turns out, though, that among the Afghan forces was an unexpected soldier — governor Ata Mohammed Noor.

Noor, the governor of Balkh province in Afghanistan, was spotted among those fighting to protect the Indian consulate.

afghan governor

Source: Facebook

Photos uploaded on Noor’s Facebook page show him wielding an assault rifle during the gun battle and talking with Afghan soldiers outside the Indian consulate.

afghan governor

Source: Facebook

Noor is a former Mujahideen who is trained in combat — he fought during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

He has also served as a commander in the Afghan resistance against the Taliban.

afghan governor

Source: Facebook

On Twitter, Ambassador of India to Afghanistan Amar Singh posted photos of him having tea with Governor Noor and his son:

Having a well deserved ‘chai’ with Gov Atta Noor and his Sandhurst educated son pic.twitter.com/wtN2mM1FjU
— Amar Sinha (@SenseandC_sense) January 4, 2016

He had earlier tweeted about how the governor was personally monitoring defence operations:

Clearing ops in Mazar on by special forces. Heavy fighting going on. GOV Atta personally monitoring. All safe in consulate.
— Amar Sinha (@SenseandC_sense) January 4, 2016

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