September 17, 1979
Telegram from East German Embassy in Kabul to Socialist Unity Party (SED) General Secretary Erich Honecker, 17 September 1979
This document was made possible with support from Leon Levy Foundation
Nur Mohammad Taraki who until recently held both functions [General Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan and President of the Revolutionary Council] has “retired on age and health grounds.” We know nothing about his present location. […]
Yesterday’s state funerals were orderly, with military honors and a relatively great participation for comrade Taraki’s former military adjutant Taroom as well as four other high security officials, who were supporters of comrade Amin and were shot on Friday in connection with the Cabinet meeting.
In contrast to Friday, the situation on Saturday and Sunday was completely calm, although politically tense. There is no reliable information on the location of the deposed three ministers and security chief. Unconfirmed rumors say that the former post and telegraph minister was shot and the others arrested.
Maeser
17.9
Report on the situation in Kabul following the overthrow of Nur Muhammad Taraki in a coup.
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