Abdul Raof Arghandiwal
Abdul Raof Arghandiwal | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1974 Tishkan District, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan |
| Occupation | Retired Afghan National Army officer |
| Years active | –2021 |
| Known for | Commanding the 207th Corps in Herat; Chief of Staff to the Afghan Minister of Defense |
Abdul Raof Arghandiwal (born 1974) is a retired Afghan National Army officer who attained the rank of Major General. He was in charge of the 207th Corps stationed in Herat, Afghanistan, and earlier served as commander of the 2nd Battalion within the 111th Division.
Early life and education
Arghandiwal was born in 1974 in Tishkan District, located in Badakhshan Province. He completed his studies at the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College in 2011.
Leadership of the 2nd Battalion
In 2013, Arghandiwal commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 111th Division during military operations conducted in Wardoj District, Badakhshan, aimed at combating insurgent groups such as the Taliban.
Commanding the 207th Corps
Subsequently, he took command of the 207th Corps based in Herat, managing security initiatives across western Afghanistan. Following the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021, media sources mentioned him in relation to Russian attempts to recruit former Afghan special forces personnel.
Role as Chief of Staff
Arghandiwal also fulfilled duties as Chief of Staff to the Afghan Minister of Defense.
Contributions to Afghan security
Throughout periods of significant conflict in Afghanistan’s western regions, Arghandiwal held key leadership positions contributing to regional security efforts.