KABUL: The National Resistance Front (NRF), led by the son of late anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, on Saturday claimed to have seized three northern districts from the Taliban, after announcing a wide military offensive.

Led by Ahmad Massoud, NRF said the action in the Panjshir Valley was its first armed offensive against Taliban forces since they stormed back to power.

NRF forces were the last to hold out against the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August last year, retreating to the valley which fell in September, weeks after US-backed government troops capitulated.

“Since last night when Ahmad Massoud... ordered his forces to launch their offensive, three major districts were liberated in Panjshir,” said Ali Nazary, head of the NRF’s foreign relations.

The NRF took the main road, outposts and villages in these districts and then besieged the Taliban in the district offices, he said.

“Many Taliban fighters have asked for time to surrender. The enemy has suffered heavy casualties.” Nazary said the NRF offensive would continue across 12 provinces where its forces had a presence, mostly in the north.

The Taliban government rejected the NRF claims, saying there had been no “military incidents” in Panjshir or any other part of the country.

“The allegations made by some insurgents in the media are untrue,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

Residents of Panjshir told AFP there was heavy fighting during the night. “People are leaving the areas because of the fighting,” said one, who asked not to be named.

Another said NRF fighters set a Taliban vehicle alight.

A local Taliban commander confirmed there was fighting with NRF fighters. “But we have not been surrounded or ambushed,” Dad Mohammad Batar said.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2022

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.