Ahmad Shah Massoud (2/09/1953 – 9/09/2001) was a military leader who
played a leading role in driving the Soviet army out of Afghanistan, earning
him the name Lion of
Panjshir. After the collapse of the communist government of
Mohammad Najibullah in 1992, Massoud became the Minister of Defense under
the government of Burhanuddin Rabbani. Following the rise of the Taliban in
1996, Massoud returned to the role of an armed opposition leader, serving as
the military commander and political leader of the Northern Alliance. He is
considered as a National Hero.
