The Taliban’s grip on Afghanistan has intensified since the withdrawal of US forces two years ago, but the National Resistance Front (NRF) has emerged as a resistance movement determined to overthrow the Islamic regime in Kabul. Despite the Taliban’s growing repression, the NRF continues to challenge Taliban rule throughout Afghanistan. “Today, especially this fighting season, we have been successful in challenging the Taliban in many parts of Afghanistan beyond our base in the remote valleys of the Hindu Kush mountains,” said Ali Maisam Nazary, head of foreign relations for the NRF. The NRF is actively seeking international recognition and support for their fight against the Taliban.
Ahmad Massoud leads the NRF, which remains the most formidable Afghan resistance unit. Massoud is committed to continuing the fight, even after the Taliban recaptured their rear base in the Panjshir Valley. The NRF poses a significant threat to the Taliban, as it includes notable political figures and enjoys recognition both domestically and internationally.
While the Taliban have managed to eliminate some key NRF members, the NRF has also had successes, using asymmetric tactics on the battlefield to take out significant Taliban commanders. NRF attacks saw a decline in the first half of 2023 but have since increased, with multiple attacks per week in July and August. The NRF has shifted its operations from Panjshir Valley to rural areas neighboring Panjshir in an effort to undermine Taliban governance and control.
The NRF has been strategically working towards gaining greater international recognition and support in their fight against the Taliban. They have actively engaged in political activities, convening conferences with opposition groups and Afghan diaspora members. However, despite their efforts, they have not received significant support from the United States, which does not endorse armed conflict in Afghanistan.
President Biden’s focus on NATO support for Ukraine and the countering of China in the Indo-Pacific indicates a lack of interest in renewing the conflict in Afghanistan. The Taliban, in their pursuit of peace and stability, have been accused of committing war crimes by Amnesty International. They engaged in collective punishment against civilians in Panjshir, including extrajudicial executions, torture, hostage-taking, unlawful detention, and the destruction of civilian homes.
While resistance against the Taliban remains strong, it is limited to certain pockets of the country. The NRF faces challenges due to lack of cohesion with other opposition groups, making it harder to combat the Taliban. After two years of insurgency, there is little hope that the NRF and other opposition groups can overthrow the Taliban government. The NRF has called on neighboring nations to refrain from establishing strategic or formal relations with the Taliban and has urged for external backing to sustain their insurgent campaign.
However, the NRF lacks significant international support, which hampers their momentum. The Biden administration’s focus on ending the “forever war” in Afghanistan makes it unlikely for the US to support any armed group in the country.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
