Taliban Blocks Panjshir Road and Communication Networks...Pressures Resistance Forces

US Troop Withdrawal Completed, Offensive Preparations in Full Swing
Comprehensive Government Formation Negotiations Ongoing

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the U.S. military completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban reportedly began preparing an offensive by blocking roads and communication networks in Panjshir Province, a stronghold of the resistance forces. This move is interpreted as pressure to gain a favorable position in negotiations, as opinions between the Taliban and the resistance forces remain far apart over the proposed inclusive government formation plan.

According to Afghan local media Tolo News on the 30th (local time), the Taliban cut off roads and communication lines between Panjshir Province and external regions. A Kabul resident told Tolo News in an interview, "Communication networks between Panjshir Province and outside have been cut off, severing contact with friends and relatives living in Panjshir," adding, "The prices of groceries in the Panjshir area have also skyrocketed."

The Taliban are reportedly concentrating troops around Panjshir and dispatching vanguard forces to break through the gorge. Russian news agency TASS cited a Panjshir resistance official saying, "The Taliban sent vanguard forces to Baghlan Province adjacent to Panjshir to find a way into the Panjshir gorge, but all were repelled," and reported, "Negotiations with the Taliban are ongoing, but there has been no progress."

The Taliban have not yet launched a full-scale battle for the Panjshir gorge. There are concerns that a full-scale war would result in massive casualties. The Taliban previously stated that they were negotiating with various political factions within Afghanistan, including the Panjshir resistance, to form an inclusive government, but the talks are reportedly stalled.

Panjshir Province remains the only area in Afghanistan not yet captured by the Taliban. The resistance forces are led by Ahmad Masoud, the leader of the Northern Alliance, a coalition of warlords who previously fought against the Taliban. Alongside him, Amrullah Saleh, the First Vice President of Afghanistan, is said to have established a provisional government and is directing resistance against the Taliban.

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