Taliban "Encircling Panjshir Area, Resistance Forces' Stronghold"... Resistance Forces "Ready for Final Battle"

Resistance Forces "Decisive Battle if Negotiations Fail... Desire Decentralized Governance"
Heavy Casualties Expected in Clashes Between Forces... Taliban Also Focuses on Negotiation Strategy

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Afghan armed faction Taliban announced that it is surrounding the Panjshir province area, the last stronghold of the anti-Taliban resistance forces in northern Kabul. The resistance forces stated that they are willing to negotiate but are preparing for a decisive battle if talks fail, increasing the likelihood of clashes. Significant casualties are feared if the two sides engage in conflict.

According to foreign media including the AP News on the 23rd (local time), Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesperson, tweeted, "We have reclaimed areas previously occupied by resistance forces in Baghlan province such as Bannu, Pul-e-Hesar, and Desala," adding, "The resistance forces are currently surrounded in regions including Badakhshan, Takhar, and Andarab within the Panjshir Valley."

The Panjshir Valley was a stronghold of Afghan militias who resisted the Soviet invasion and is led by Ahmad Massoud, son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, a national hero of Afghanistan. The resistance reportedly includes Amrullah Saleh, who declared himself acting president of Afghanistan, Yasin Zia, former Afghan army chief of staff, and some Afghan government soldiers who fled from Kabul and other areas. They call themselves the "National Resistance Front (NRF)" and claim to be an interim government.

Ali Nasari, NRF's head of external relations, told the BBC in an interview, "We will pursue peace negotiations, but if they fail, we will not tolerate any kind of attack," expressing their determination to resist. He added, "Recently, resistance forces trained nationwide, including combatants, have been entering Panjshir," and claimed, "We are ready to deploy thousands of troops to the resistance forces."

Nasari emphasized, "The ultimate goal of the NRF is a decentralized form of governance in Afghanistan," stating, "Afghanistan is a country composed of ethnic minorities and a multicultural nation, so power needs to be shared." Although the Taliban is surrounding the Panjshir area, the BBC reported that they are focusing on negotiations due to concerns over significant casualties if fierce battles occur.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.