Armed Resistance Against the Afghan Taliban Intensifies: Attacks in Badakhshan Challenge Claims of Total Control

Kabul / Washington (Web Desk) — A surge in attacks by anti-Taliban armed groups and growing internal security challenges has raised fresh questions about the Taliban administration’s claim of exercising complete and uncontested control over Afghanistan.

The US-based think tank Long War Journal has published a detailed report on the recent advances and attacks carried out by armed resistance groups against the Afghan Taliban.

According to the report, attacks by anti-Taliban groups have increased significantly over the past two weeks, particularly in the strategically important northern province of Badakhshan.

Security Situation and Armed Attacks in Badakhshan

The report states that resistance groups have targeted Taliban positions and administrative infrastructure in several districts of Badakhshan.

Details of Major Attacks

July 17 — Lower Yaftal District:

The anti-Taliban group Sepahiyan-e-Mihan reportedly launched a major attack on the district’s central administrative headquarters and claimed to have maintained control of the district centre for several hours.

July 23 — Zebak District:

The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) reportedly carried out several targeted operations against Taliban military units in the Zebak area.

July 23 — Kuran wa Munjan District:

The National Resistance Front (NRF) claimed responsibility for an attack on a Taliban checkpoint, reportedly killing one Taliban fighter and seriously wounding two others.

“From Guerrilla Warfare to Direct Confrontation” — Afghanistan Freedom Front

In an interview with Long War Journal, Daoud Naji, head of the Afghanistan Freedom Front’s political committee, announced what he described as a significant shift in the group’s military strategy.

He said:

“The Afghanistan Freedom Front has now moved beyond conventional guerrilla warfare and entered a phase of direct, face-to-face confrontation with the Taliban regime.”

Taliban Faces Growing Difficulty Maintaining Control

Senior Afghan journalist Abu Muslim Shirzad said recent developments in Badakhshan and neighbouring northern districts suggest that it may become increasingly difficult for the Taliban and its local supporters to maintain control in these areas.

Observers say the continuing clashes have directly challenged the Taliban administration’s narrative that the whole of Afghanistan is under its complete control and enjoying full security.