15 Facts About Yasin Zia

General Mohammad Yasin Zia, is an Afghan military officer and politician.

Yasin Zia is a former Chief of General Staff, former Deputy Defense Minister, and former governor of Takhar Province, Afghanistan.

Yasin Zia was born in Shakar Dara District, Kabul, Afghanistan into a Tajik family.

Yasin Zia has a degree in military and intelligence affairs and a background in Jamiat-e Islami.

Yasin Zia was appointed governor of Takhar on 12 October 2015.

Yasin Zia resigned his post as governor on 28 May 2017, due to personal issues.

Yasin Zia became a deputy National Security Adviser by December 2017.

Yasin Zia took a large role in attempting to reduce illegal activity and corruption in the Afghan Local Police, including supplementing income via illegal means.

Yasin Zia dealt with improper relations with other, irregular, armed groups.

Yasin Zia was promoted to Deputy Defense Minister on 27 March 2019.

Yasin Zia then became the Army Chief of Staff in 2020, vacating the Deputy Defense Minister position.

Yasin Zia became acting defense minister on 19 March 2021, while Asadullah Khalid was sick and hospitalized.

Yasin Zia was replaced by Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai as Chief of General staff and Bismillah Khan Mohammadi as acting defense minister amid an increase in fighting with the Taliban on 19 June 2021.

Yasin Zia said they have not cut ties and they have relations with other terrorist groups, obviously working together in areas.

Yasin Zia had said the organizations have become like family over the past several years and expressed skepticism that things will change.