Armed Resistance Against the Taliban Intensifies as Clashes Escalate in Badakhshan

Kabul / Faizabad — Fighting between the Taliban and armed opposition groups has intensified in the Yaftal and Zebak districts of Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan province. The latest clashes have raised renewed questions among observers about the Taliban's claims of exercising full control over the country.

Key Highlights

• Rocket Attack on Military Convoy: The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on a Taliban military convoy traveling from Kabul to Badakhshan in the Northern Salang area.
• Reported Casualties: According to the AFF, seven Taliban fighters were killed and more than six others were seriously wounded in the attack.
• Drones Reportedly Downed: The AFF also claimed to have shot down two Taliban surveillance drones in Zebak and forced Taliban helicopters to abort their landing attempts.
• Political Statement: Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh said that organized military and political resistance would ultimately bring an end to Taliban rule.

Military Developments in Northern Salang and Badakhshan

According to a statement published by the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) on the social media platform X, its fighters tracked a Taliban convoy transporting additional personnel and military supplies from Kabul to Badakhshan before launching a rocket attack in Northern Salang.

LocationReported IncidentNorthern SalangRocket attack on a Taliban convoy traveling from Kabul to Badakhshan.Zebak DistrictAFF claimed to have destroyed two Taliban drones and forced helicopters to withdraw.Yaftal DistrictArmed attacks and clashes were reported at Taliban military checkpoints.

Air Defense and Tactical Operations

The AFF stated that, prior to the convoy attack, its fighters had also shot down two Taliban surveillance drones in Badakhshan.

It further claimed that on Friday, Taliban helicopters attempting to transport reinforcements to Zebak were forced to turn back without landing after coming under heavy fire from resistance fighters.

Reactions from Journalists and Political Figures

The reported developments have prompted reactions from Afghan journalists and political leaders.

Bilal Sarwary's Assessment

Afghan journalist Bilal Sarwary said the AFF's repeated attacks on convoys, logistics, and surveillance drones demonstrate improved military planning, intelligence capabilities, and operational coordination.

Amrullah Saleh's Statement

Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh stated that the current Taliban government lacks constitutional legitimacy and argued that growing organized political and military resistance would eventually challenge Taliban rule.