Taliban Announces "Capture of Panjshir," Iran Reacts... "Must Resolve Through Dialogue"

"Taliban Blockade of Panjshir Violates International Law and Humanitarian Principles"
Pakistan Also Condemns, "We Denounce Interference in Afghan Affairs"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Afghan armed faction Taliban announced that it has captured Panjshir, known as the last stronghold of the resistance forces, prompting an unusual critical statement from the Iranian government. The Iranian government also targeted Pakistan, presumed to have assisted the Taliban in capturing Panjshir, condemning it for interfering in Afghan affairs. This move is interpreted as a caution against the alliance between Pakistan, an Islamic Sunni country, and the Taliban, which also claims to be a Sunni organization. Concerns are rising that if Pakistan's military intervention in Afghanistan is confirmed, Iran might also intervene militarily, potentially escalating the Afghan issue further.

According to the AP News on the 6th (local time), Said Hatibzadeh, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press conference that day, "The Taliban's attack on Panjshir is deserving of condemnation," adding, "The Panjshir issue should be resolved through dialogue, and the Taliban's blockade of Panjshir is unacceptable from the perspectives of international law and humanitarianism." This is the first official critical statement issued by the Iranian government since the Taliban's reoccupation of Afghanistan.

Spokesperson Hatibzadeh implied that Pakistan assisted the Taliban's attack on Panjshir and criticized it as well. He emphasized, targeting Pakistan, "We condemn all foreign interference in Afghan affairs." This remark is interpreted as a warning against further military cooperation between Pakistan, a Sunni country, and the Sunni Taliban organization.

Earlier that day, the Taliban declared victory in clashes with the Panjshir resistance forces, claiming full control over Panjshir province and declaring the Afghan war completely over. In a statement, the Taliban claimed, "Efforts for the complete security of this country have borne fruit. Panjshir province is under the full control of the Taliban," asserting that they have suppressed the resistance forces.

However, Ahmad Massoud, leader of the Northern Alliance leading the Panjshir resistance forces, stated on Twitter that the resistance forces are still engaged in combat. He said, "The resistance forces continue fighting in Panjshir, Baghlan, and Andarab areas," adding, "The Taliban attacked Panjshir with foreign support, resulting in many casualties."

Accordingly, as suspicions of Pakistan's military intervention in Afghanistan intensify, there are concerns that the Afghan crisis could spread throughout Central Asia. If Pakistan's military involvement is confirmed, there is speculation that Iran might also intervene militarily. Iran has not officially recognized the Taliban as the legitimate Afghan government since the Taliban's first rule in 1996. If Iran, the largest military power in the Middle East, intervenes, the situation in the Afghan war is expected to become even more complicated.

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