Monday 23 August 2021
resistance fighters disagree
Taliban report: circumambulation of Pandashir Valley
The Panjir Valley, which is difficult to reach, has been protesting the acquisition of power in Afghanistan. The Taliban announced that they had already surrounded the fighters. Paradox comes immediately: an Islamist vanguard was ambushed in the mountains. Both sides claim that they are betting on talks.
The Taliban has claimed to have surrounded the National Resistance Front (NRF) group in the Afghan Punjir Valley, but according to a spokesman, it is looking for talks rather than a military confrontation. Taliban spokesman Sabihullah Mujahid tweeted: “The Islamic Emirate is trying to resolve this issue peacefully.” The Mujahid said Taliban fighters “are stationed near Pandjir.” The area is surrounded on three sides. During the night there were reports of fighting at different places in the northeast region of the capital Kabul.
Supporters of the NRF denied reports on online platforms that the Taliban were pushing their fighters back, saying the Taliban fighters were ambushed. The information provided by both parties cannot be independently verified at the moment, as the remote area is difficult to reach.
NRF spokesman Ali Maisam Nassari said over the weekend that fighters would prepare for a “prolonged conflict”. The group is also considering negotiating with the Taliban to participate in the government. “The prerequisite of a peace deal with the Taliban is decentralization, a system that ensures social justice, equality, rights and freedoms for all,” Nassari said.
Historic Stronghold of Resistance
The Punjir Valley is one of the few areas in Afghanistan that has escaped Islamist control after the recent conquest of the Taliban. The valley is considered a stronghold of resistance because it has not been conquered by Soviet troops or the Taliban in the past.
A well-known Taliban rival and Sardar’s son, Ahmed Masood apparently also joins former members of the Afghan armed forces who fled to Panjir as the Taliban advance. Nassari said that a contingent of 9,000 fighters should stand. Masood on Sunday warned the Taliban of an attack in the Punjir Valley. “The Taliban will not survive long if they continue on this path,” he said on al-Arbiza television. “We stand ready to defend Afghanistan and we warn of bloodshed.”
