What territory in Afghanistan do the Taliban control?
UNAMA, Briefing to the United Nations Security Council by the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva New York, 20 December 2022
“The Taliban remain essentially in control of the country, but unable to satisfactorily address terrorist groups operating inside Afghanistan. We are greatly concerned about the recent activity of ISKP in particular, and the attacks on the embassies of the Russian Federation and Pakistan, as well as against a hotel hosting many Chinese nationals. Civilian casualties from these attacks were significant. Nonetheless, the general sense of security and freedom of movement for the people of Afghanistan remains. […] the general sense of security and freedom of movement for the people of Afghanistan remains. On the other hand, we are greatly concerned about recent continued exchanges of fire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. […]”
Reuters, Afghan Taliban administration, Myanmar junta not allowed into United Nations for now, 14 December 2022 “A decision on whether the Afghan Taliban administration and the Myanmar junta can send a United Nations ambassador to New York has been postponed for a second time, but could be reconsidered in the next nine months, according to a U.N. credentials committee report.”
BBC News, Afghanistan-Pakistan border shelling kills civilians, 12 December 2022
“Afghan Taliban forces killed six civilians in Pakistan and injured at least 17 others in an "unprovoked" bombing and gunfire attack on a border town on Sunday, Pakistan says. The attack at Chaman was condemned by Pakistan's military who said the Afghan side launched "indiscriminate fire". Pakistan forces retaliated. One Afghan soldier was killed. It's unclear exactly what sparked the clash at the crossing over the border, which the two sides dispute. However, it comes amid a rise in tensions between the neighbouring countries over security issues, since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan last year.”
CrisisWatch, Tracking Conflict Worldwide, November 2022
“Anti-Taliban resistance forces continued insurgency in north east. Despite falling levels of violence with onset of cold weather, insecurity continued in Badakhshan province (north east) after Taliban in Oct launched large-scale operations in districts bordering Tajikistan; operations for time being appeared to stunt National Resistance Front (NRF) activities in province but strained relations with Tajikistan, neighbouring country that harbours NRF fighters. Similarly, in Takhar province (north east), numerous reports surfaced during month of Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) and NRF attacks; Taliban forces launched raids against hideouts, primarily targeting ISKP. Meanwhile, deadly clashes erupted between Taliban and Pakistani border forces around Chaman border crossing 13 Nov and in Paktia province (east) 15 Nov (see Pakistan). Bomb 30 Nov targeting religious school in Samangan province (north) killed at least 17 students, majority of them believed to be children.”
ACLED, Regional Overview: South Asia and Afghanistan 19-25 November 2022, 30 November 2022
“Taliban and Pakistani forces continued to engage in shelling across the Afghanistan–Pakistan border last week. On 20 November, shelling resulted in over a dozen casualties among the civilians and security forces of both countries, including at least two reported fatalities. The clashes have been linked to ongoing land disputes along the border (Dawn, 20 November 2022). Following the clashes, Taliban officials announced the appointment of a delegation to discuss the issue with Pakistan officials (TOLO News, 21 November 2022).
Elsewhere in Afghanistan, anti-Taliban groups engaged in multiple clashes with Taliban forces last week. The National Resistance Front launched a number of deadly attacks on Taliban forces in Takhar province, while the Afghanistan Freedom Front also reportedly killed two Taliban members during an attack in Kandahar city.
Separately, in Daykundi province, the Taliban killed at least nine people during an operation responding to a land dispute between Hazara tribal groups in Nili city. While the Taliban claimed that those killed during the operation were armed men involved in the land dispute (Rukhshana News, 26 November 2022), other reports suggest that they were civilians and included children (Twitter @UNICEFafg, 25
November 2022). Local sources also claimed that Taliban forces escalated tensions between the tribes by killing a person mediating between the disputing families and the Taliban (Etilaat e Roz, 24 November 2022).”
Royal United Services Institute, How is the Taliban’s Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Evolving?, 22 November 2022
“The Islamic State has intensified its terrorist attacks in the cities and has even staged a few provocatory attacks on the northern border, firing rockets into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. It has also been waging a low-intensity guerrilla war in the far east of the country (Kunar). The National Resistance Front (NRF) and various other groups with roots in the armed forces of the previous regime have been intensifying their low-intensity war since spring, with most of their activities concentrated in Panjshir and the surrounding region.”
Al Jazeera, Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after shooting, 21 November 2022
“Pakistan has reopened a key border crossing with neighbouring Afghanistan a week after an Afghan gunman killed a Pakistani security guard there, forcing a closure of the crossing.”
“The crossing was closed on November 13 when a Pakistani soldier posted at the border was fired upon. There was a brief exchange of fire between the two armies following the incident.”
Pajhwok Afghan News, 35 killed, wounded in Afghanistan last week, 19 November 2022
“Last week, at least 26 people were killed and nine others wounded in different incidents in the country. Ten Daesh — Islamic State — rebels were killed in Kabul and Herat, according to local officials. Meanwhile, a groom and his bride were killed in the Alishang district of Laghman province. The killer was detained, officials said. One person was killed and another injured due to a clash between two rival families in the Alingar district of eastern Laghman on Friday.”
“The bodies of a woman and a man were found in Paktia and Logar provinces. In Kapisa, a man killed his wife and unidentified gunmen shot dead two people, including a prayer leader, in Kabul.”
ACLED, Regional Overview: South Asia and Afghanistan 5-11 November 2022, 16 November 2022
“In Afghanistan, Taliban forces continued to target civilians with links to the former government last week. Across the country, Taliban forces arrested former military members, shooting a former soldier in the leg during an arrest in Parwan. In Samangan province, the Taliban arrested five former government and security forces members, the whereabouts of whom remain unknown (Hasht-e Subh, 8 November 2022).”
Pajhwok Afghan News, 7 people killed, 3 injured in Afghanistan last week, 13 November 2022
“Unidentified gunmen killed two people in northern Sari Pul province. A man shot dead one civilian and injured three others in eastern Kunar province after police tried to arrest him for illegally carrying a pistol. He opened fire in order to escape.”
“Local officials say two Daesh affiliates were killed in Kunar province and security forces killed a ‘thief’ who wanted to escape in Balkh province.”
“A person killed his cousin who was a local police commander in northeastern Badakhshan province.”
“These casualty figures are based on reports reaching Pajhwok. Some incidents might have gone unreported or sources provided incorrect number.”
ACLED, Regional Overview: South Asia and Afghanistan 29 October-4 November 2022, 10 November 2022
“In Afghanistan, the National Resistance Front clashed with Taliban forces in Panjshir, Takhar, and Sar-e Pol provinces last week. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Freedom Front carried out two attacks against the Taliban in Zabul province, reportedly killing two Taliban intelligence officers.”
International Organization for Migration (IOM), DTM AFGHANISTAN RETURNEE LONGITUDINAL SURVEY (RLS), 31 October 2022
“Community safety ratings among participants were generally positive, with 57 per cent of respondents reporting that the safety situation in their community was good or very good at the personal level and at the household level. Thirty-four per cent of participants at the personal level and 35 per cent at the household level, however, rated safety levels as poor or very poor in their communities.”
AA, Pakistani soldier killed in attack along Afghanistan border, 23 October 2022
“A Pakistani soldier was killed in what the army said a terrorist attack from Afghanistan's soil. The attack – latest in a string of ambushes – occurred in the restive North Waziristan tribal district, which sits near the border with Afghanistan and has long been a hotbed of militancy. "Terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on a military post in Hassan Khel Sector, North Waziristan district. Own troops responded in a befitting manner. During fire exchange, one soldier embraced Shahadat (martyrdom)," said a statement from the army's media wing. "Pakistan has consistently been requesting Afghanistan to ensure effective border management," the statement further said, adding that Islamabad "strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activates against Pakistan."
Reuters, Taliban kill six Islamic State members in raid in Kabul, 22 October 2022
“[…] Taliban security forces killed six Islamic State members in an overnight operation in the Afghan capital, Kabul, a spokesman for the ruling group's administration said on Saturday. The Islamic State members killed in the raid on their hideout were involved in two major attacks in recent weeks, one on a city mosque and the other on a tutoring institute in which dozens of female students were killed, said the spokesman, Qari Yusuf Ahmadi."They were the attackers of the Wazir Akbar Khan mosque and also ... of Kaaj Institute," said Ahmadi, who said one Taliban security force member was killed in the operation.”
AP News, Report: Taliban killed captives in restive Afghan province, 18 October 2022
“The Taliban captured, bound and shot to death 27 men in Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley last month during an offensive against resistance fighters in the area, according to a report published Tuesday, refuting the group’s earlier claims that the men were killed in battle. One video of the killings verified by the report shows five men, blindfolded with their hands tied behind their backs. Then, Taliban fighters spray them with gunfire for 20 seconds and cry out in celebration. The investigation by Afghan Witness, an open-source project run by the U.K.-based non-profit Center for Information Resilience, is a rare verification of allegations that the Taliban have used brutal methods against opposition forces and their supporters, its researchers said. Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed a tighter and harsher rule, even as they press for international recognition of their government. […] Afghan Witness said it analyzed dozens of visual sources from social media — mostly videos and photographs — to conclusively link one group of Taliban fighters to the killings of 10 men in the Dara District of Panjshir, including the five seen being mowed down in the video. […] It said it also confirmed 17 other extrajudicial killings from further images on social media, all showing dead men with their hands tied behind their backs.
Videos and photos of Taliban fighters with the bodies aided geolocation and chrono-location, also providing close-ups of the fighters at the scene. These were cross-referenced with other videos suspected to feature the group. “Using open-source techniques we have established the facts around the summary and systematic execution of a group of men in the Panjshir Valley in mid-September,” Osborn said. “At the time of their execution, the detained were bound, posing no threat to their Taliban captors.” Enayatullah Khawarazmi, the Taliban-appointed spokesman for the defense minister, said a delegation is investigating the videos released on social media. He said he was unable to give further details as the investigation is ongoing.”
EUAA, Afghanistan – Security Situation, 16 September 2022
"A map published by the Long War Journal (LWJ), a website affiliated with the US non-profit think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), indicated that, as of 21 July 2022, the Taliban were controlling all of the country’s 407 districts."
"As of spring/summer 2022, the Taliban were in control of all the country’s 34 provinces and sources indicate that no other actor constituted an existential threat to the Taliban’s authority. In June 2022, International Crisis Group stated that the Taliban exercised territorial control on a level not experienced by any single political actor since the 1970s."
Aljazeera, Taliban accuses Pakistan of allowing US drones in Afghan airspace, 28 August 2022
“The Taliban’s acting defence minister has said Pakistan allowed American drones to use its airspace to access Afghanistan, a charge Pakistan has recently denied following a US air strike in Kabul.
Acting Minister of Defence Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob told reporters at a news conference in Kabul on Sunday that American drones have been entering Afghanistan via Pakistan.”
Pajhwok Afghan News, US drones enter Afghanistan through Pakistan, alleges Yaqub, 28 August 2022
“Acting Defence Minister Mualvi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid on Sunday alleged US drones entered Afghanistan through Pakistan, asking Islamabad not to allow the use of its airspace against Kabul. In July, a US drone strike killed Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul. Pakistan has denied playing any role in the killing of Zawahiri.”
Pajhwok Afghan News, Casualties in Afghanistan down by 73pc last week, 28 August 2022
“IEA spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters last week that US aircraft continued flying over Afghanistan- a violation of the country’s airspace that must be stopped.
He said the issue had been discussed with American officials, who were asked to resolve issues through direct talks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said efforts would continue to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist safe haven again.”
AVA, Religious Scholar was killed in Central Afghanistan, 3 August 2022
“Afghan Voice Agency (AVA)_Monitoring, Abdul Matin Mohammadi, a religious scholar, was allegedly killed on Tuesday, August 2, in the evening by unidentified assailants, according to the Islamic Emirate authorities. […] According to sources, the attackers ride away from the scene on motorcycles after killing Mohammadi as he was returning home after offering the prayers in the mosque. […] The Islamic Emirate governor’s office in the province of Ghor reports that no one has been arrested in relation to the death of this religious scholar, despite an ongoing investigation.”
Al Jazeera, Taliban supreme leader addresses major gathering in Kabul, 1 July 2022
“Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada, the reclusive supreme leader of the Taliban, has attended a major gathering of religious leaders and elders in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul. More than 3,000 men were expected to attend the three-day gathering that started on Thursday in Kabul’s Polytechnic University and is expected to rubber-stamp the Taliban’s rule over Afghanistan.”
Khaama Press (Afghan News Agency), Taliban Senior Official Denies the Claims of “Attacks Against Civilians” in North Afghanistan, 28 June 2022
“In an effort to put an end to an armed insurgency in the north of the country, Taliban authorities in Afghanistan are accused of engaging in extrajudicial killings and other violations of human rights.On Monday, claims of abuses in the chaotic Balkhab district in Sar-e Pol province’s north were deemed alarming by the United Nations and rights watchdogs, who called the Islamist party in power to hold those who are accountable…
The Taliban’s aggressive and inhumane behavior has alarmed Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in Afghanistan as on Monday, June 27, he tweeted that reports of unlawful killings, forced displacement, destruction of private property, and other human rights violations in Sar-e-Pol’s Balkhab district are concerning."
AVA, The possibility of Russia recognizing the Islamic Emirate got stronger, 15 June 2022
“Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan has said that his country is not following the West in recognizing the current government in Afghanistan, adding that it may recognize the government of the Islamic Emirate. He stated that the conditions of this important matter have already been announced to the officials of the Islamic Emirate by the President and Foreign Minister of Russia. Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan, said: "We may recognize the Taliban interim government in Afghanistan and send grain to this country to prevent a famine crisis."
"There is a possibility of recognizing the Taliban, and the conditions for this action have been announced by the president and the foreign minister," he added. Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan stressed that Moscow will not follow the decision of the West and other countries in recognizing the Islamic Emirate. Kabulov added that the Taliban interim government was willing to cooperate with Moscow in accordance with internationally accepted laws. Announcing the visit of the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Islamic Emirate to Moscow, he said: "Afghanistan wants to buy some Russian goods and Russian President Vladimir Putin has also given permission to store grain for this country." This statement comes at a time when no country has yet recognized the Islamic Emirate following the recent developments in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of foreign troops after 20 years and the collapse of the pro-Western government.”
AVA, Security Situation in Parwan is Admissible, 12 June 2022
“During a meeting, in Sapedar palace the chief police commander of Parwan Mawlawi Azizullah provided details on the security situation and said security and peace are ensured in the province, according to a statement. Deputy Prime Minister Kabir praised the security situation in that province, said the Islamic Emirate security forces are in the service of the people, and will never spare any efforts in this respect. In the meeting, the deputy political directed the Necessary orders to the chief police commander of Parwan and other local member officials of the province to ensure better security in that province. Parwan is one of Kabul’s neighboring provinces to the north, which after the collapse of the former government, witness no insecurity or security incidents on the rise of the Islamic Emirate.”
HRW, Afghanistan: Taliban Torture Civilians in Panjshir, 10 June 2022
“Taliban security forces in northern Afghanistan’s Panjshir province have unlawfully detained and tortured residents accused of association with an opposition armed group, Human Rights Watch said today. Since mid-May 2022, fighting has escalated in the province as National Resistance Front (NRF) forces have attacked Taliban units and checkpoints. The Taliban have responded by deploying to the province thousands of fighters, who have carried out search operations targeting communities they allege are supporting the NRF. During search operations in other provinces, Taliban forces have committed summary executions and enforced disappearances of captured fighters and other detainees, which are war crimes. “Taliban forces in Panjshir province have quickly resorted to beating civilians in their response to fighting against the opposition National Resistance Front,” said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
“The Taliban’s longstanding failure to punish those responsible for serious abuses in their ranks puts more civilians at risk.” A human rights advocate who has interviewed several former detainees and a source with direct information about Taliban detentions spoke to Human Rights Watch about the Panjshir situation. Former detainees in early June reported that Taliban security forces detained about 80 residents in Panjshir’s Khenj district and beat them to compel them to provide information about the NRF. After several days, the Taliban released 70, but have continued to hold 10 people whose relatives they accuse of being members of the group, a form of collective punishment. Former detainees said the district jail held nearly 100 others who have alleged links to the NRF. None had access to their families or lawyers. Others have been held in informal detention facilities.”
ACLED, REGIONAL OVERVIEW: SOUTH ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN 28 MAY-3 JUNE 2022, 9 June 2022
“Last week in South Asia and Afghanistan, Taliban forces came under attack from anti-Taliban groups, the Islamic State (IS), and the National Resistance Front (NRF) in Afghanistan. Civilians in Panjshir province were detained and reportedly tortured following NRF-Taliban clashes. In Pakistan, IS and unknown groups clashed with security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while Baloch separatists increased attacks against security forces and civilians in Balochistan. In India, security forces conducted operations against militant groups amid increasing militant attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), while communal clashes broke out between Muslim and Hindu groups in Uttar Pradesh state. In Sri Lanka, anti-government demonstrations continued amid the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. In Bangladesh, clashes involving Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters continued across several divisions.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban continued to arrest and reportedly torture civilians across Panjshir province last week, accusing them of cooperating with NRF forces. In Hissa-e-Awal (Khinj) district, 100 people were arrested on 1 June, including minors and the elderly, despite local residents contending that the detained did not have any links to the NRF (Subhe Kabul, 2 June 2022). In Badakhshan province, civilians were also forcibly recruited to fight against the NRF, with the Taliban reportedly torturing those who refused (Hasht e Subh, 1 June 2022). The arrest and reported torture of civilians comes amid ongoing clashes between the Taliban and the NRF, mostly centered in Baghlan and Panjshir provinces.
These trends contribute to the 225% increase in violence in Panjshir in the past month relative to the past year flagged by ACLED’s Subnational Threat Tracker. The Subnational Tracker first warned of increased violence to come in Panjshir in the past month. Other armed groups, including the Afghanistan Liberation Movement, the National Liberation Front of Afghanistan (NLFA), and IS, also continued to target Taliban forces last week. The Afghanistan Liberation Movement claims the killing of eight Taliban members in Qalat district of Zabul, and the NLFA claims attacks in Kandahar and Takhar province. In Kandahar, the NLFA killed a senior Taliban commander during an attack in Zhire district. In Takhar, the group attacked a prison in Taloqan city, freeing two former military officers and killing nine Taliban members. Meanwhile, IS increased its attacks on Taliban forces compared to the week prior, killing at least seven Taliban members in Kabul, Kunar, Kunduz, and Nangarhar.”
AVA, India considers reopening diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, 8 June 2022
“The issue of India reopening its embassy in Kabul was discussed at meetings last week during JP Singh, the special envoy to Afghanistan’s visit to Kabul. The Hindustan Times reported New Delhi is looking at the possibility of posting a very limited number of junior officials, mainly to oversee consular matters and the distribution of humanitarian aid. India pulled out all its officials from its embassy in Kabul after the former government collapsed in August last year. Some local Afghan staff are currently responsible for the upkeep of the mission.”
Gandhara, Taliban Accused of Forced Evictions As Fighting Intensifies In Northern Afghanistan, 7 June 2022
“The Taliban captured Baghlan and Panjshir in early September, weeks after toppling the Western-backed Afghan government and seizing power in Kabul. Since April, deadly clashes have erupted between resistance forces and the Taliban in both provinces. Last month, heavy clashes broke out in parts of Panjshir, a traditional hotbed of ethnic Tajik resistance to the Pashtun-dominated Taliban. Residents alleged that some civilians accused of having links with the NRF were executed. Others were beaten and tortured in Taliban custody, they said."
"Meanwhile, locals told Radio Azadi that the Taliban detained more than 100 civilians in the Paryan district of Panjshir in the past week. Their whereabouts are unknown. Earlier, the Taliban said it had detained an unspecified number of people accused of having links with the NRF. Locals have also alleged that Taliban fighters have recently beheaded several NRF fighters who were captured, a claim the Taliban has rejected. The ongoing fighting has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in Panjshir."
DW, Taliban faces threats from 'Islamic State', UN Says, 3 June 2022
"The Taliban regime faces multiple threats from al-Qaida, the "Islamic State" (IS) group, and an insurgency in the northern region of Panjshir, according to a new report prepared for the UN Security Council.
The report suggested that neither IS nor al-Qaida is expected to be able to launch international attacks "before 2023 at the earliest, regardless of their intent or of whether the Taliban acts to restrain them."
Tolo News, MoFA Denies UN Report Alleging Foreign Groups in Country, 30 May 2022
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a statement rejecting a report by the UN Security Council alleging that Al-Qaida and the Islamic Emirate have a "close" relationship and that foreign groups are in Afghanistan. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan again reaffirms its commitments and reassures all that none shall be allowed to use the territory of Afghanistan against others," the statement said.
The UN Security Council Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in the report said Al-Qaida has a “safe haven under the Taliban and increased freedom of action."
“The relationship between the Taliban and Al-Qaida remains close, with the latter celebrating the former’s success and renewing its pledge of allegiance to [Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada],” the UN report said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a recent statement said the allegations were baseless: “The fact remains that since the return to power of the Islamic Emirate, the world and the region have been prevented from facing any harm from Afghanistan, and the Afghan government has consistently worked for the last nine months to build an environment of trust with the regional and world countries.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement called on the United Nations to hand over the post of Afghanistan's permanent representative at the UN to the current Afghan government in order to directly provide factual information to the UNSC and other countries.
The United Nations report estimated an approximate presence of "180 to 400 fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda" from "Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan" who are settled in "Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika and Zabul provinces."
“The Islamic Emirate is committed to its promises. It has attempted for the past nine months to prevent any kind of threat to other countries from Afghan soil and to create a trust-building environment with regional countries,” said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.”
Long War Journal, Tajik terrorist serves as Taliban commander in northern Afghanistan, 25 May 2022
“As the Taliban continues to maintain that it doesn’t allow foreign fighters in Afghanistan, a Tajik national and commander for the Al Qaeda-linked Jamaat Ansarullah remains in control of several districts in a northern Afghan province. During the Taliban’s swift offensive across Afghanistan last spring and summer, the Taliban placed five districts in the northern province of Badakhshan under the control of Mahdi Arsalon, a Tajik national and a commander in the Al Qaeda-linked Jamaat Ansarullah (JA). Arsalon was given control of the districts by Qari Fasihuddin, an ethnic Tajik Taliban commander who served as the shadow governor of Badakhshan at the time. Fasihuddin has since been appointed to serve as the Taliban’s chief of army staff. The clear cooperation between the Taliban and Jamaat Ansarullah directly contradicts repeated Taliban claims that their regime does not provide safe haven to foreign fighters. In an interview with CNN this past week, the Taliban’s Minister of the Interior, and leader of the Haqqani Network, Siraj Haqqani doubled down on the assertion, declaring that the Taliban does not support foreign fighters and does not allow Afghanistan to serve as a breeding ground or launching pad for terrorism.
Numerous terror groups, including Al Qaeda, the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Harakat-ul-Mujahideen, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Turkistan Isamic Party, Katibat Imam Bukhari, and a host of others are known to operate inside Afghanistan. These groups are closely allied with the Taliban and helped the group take control of the country in order to establish the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. On his Facebook account, Arsalon recently posted videos of Jamaat Ansarullah fighters, or “Tajik Taliban” forces, operating along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border in Badakhshan’s districts of Kuf Ab, Khwahan, Maimay, Nusay, and Shekay.”
BBC News, Afghan resistance attack Taliban, sparking reprisals in Panjshir, 17 May 2022
"The Taliban have been accused of human rights abuses during clashes with resistance forces in Panjshir province, to the north of Kabul. One local resident told the BBC his unarmed elderly relative had been shot by the group, who seized power in Afghanistan last August. Another saw a neighbour beaten by the Taliban until he fell unconscious. A local Taliban spokesman denied any abuses had taken place or that any of the group's members had been killed. The fighting is localised and at this stage does not represent a challenge to the Taliban's control of the country, but it is the most significant sustained armed opposition the group has faced since coming to power. In recent days, fighters belonging to the National Resistance Front launched a guerrilla attack on Taliban forces in the area, who responded by sending a large number of reinforcements to Panjshir. Taliban forces were ambushed and a number were allegedly killed - something Taliban officials have denied. Details on casualty figures, and even the extent of the fighting, are difficult to ascertain. The Taliban appear to be downplaying the clashes, while claims by the NRF often seem exaggerated. Two local sources said that about 15 unarmed civilians had been killed by the Taliban in Panjshir so far."
Gandhara, New Reports Of Fighting In Afghanistan's Panjshir Trigger Fresh Claims Of Taliban War Crimes, 13 May 2022
“Resistance to the Taliban is flaring up in northeastern Afghanistan, and as reports of deadly fighting increase, so are claims of war crimes against civilians. The fighting is centered in the center and south of Panjshir Province, a traditional hotbed of ethnic Tajik resistance to the Pashtun-dominated Taliban and the last province to fall to the extremist group after it seized control of the rest of the country in August.”
Jurist, Afghanistan dispatch: armed resistance against the Taliban continues, 12 May 2022
"Since their takeover of Afghanistan the Taliban have tried to cover up any news of revolt and resistance against them, although as reported by Afghanistan International since August of last year there have been at least 13 clashes between Taliban and the anti-Taliban movements in Baghlan province, 8 in Panjshir province and 3 in Takhar province. Also there have been minor clashes and attacks on Taliban in six other provinces, the capital being excluded. As recently as last Friday, May 6, there were reports of yet another conflict between the Taliban and the National Resistance Force; an NRF spokesperson claimed 22 Taliban killed and 6 wounded. The Taliban have denied the existence of any conflict in Panjshir at first, though videos of fighting and of the Taliban’s reinforcement convoys moving toward Panjshir have been shared on social media. Hasht-e-sobh, the most read news paper in the country, has confirmed that 20 bodies of Taliban fighters have been carried to the southern provinces. Hasht-e-sobh, qouting from ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project), reports that at least six freedom fighter groups are currently engaged against the Taliban and are gaining influence among the public here.
The Nantional Resistance Force is the current dominant group among the anti-Taliban movments. The Azadagan (Free People) Front has been jointly fighting the Taliban in the recent days with the NRF. The National Liberation Front is another group, which in a recent strike killed a prominent Taliban figure in the west of Kabul who was known to be the organizer of suicide attackes against Shiites people. The Wolfs of Jawzjan is an anti- taliban movement mainly formed by Uzbeks. The formation of The Afghan Liberation Movement, a Pashtun-led group, is thought to be a giant step for the anti-Taliban movments, although the other two are minor groups."
ACLED, REGIONAL OVERVIEW: SOUTH ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN 23 APRIL-6 MAY 2022, 12 May 2022
"In Afghanistan, the National Resistance Front (NRF) increased attacks against the Taliban in the northern provinces over the past two weeks, especially in Baghlan, Panjshir, and Takhar. The group claims to have seized Taliban checkpoints, bases, and villages in Pul-e-Hisar district of Baghlan province, Warsaj district of Takhar province, and Darah district of Panjshir, with clashes resulting in dozens of Taliban and NRF fatalities. These trends contribute to the 157% increase in violence in Panjshir last week relative to the past month as flagged by ACLED’s Subnational Surge Tracker. The Subnational Tracker first warned of increased violence to come in Panjshir, as well as Takhar, in the past month. Additionally, the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF), the National Liberation Front of Afghanistan (NLFA), and IS targeted the Taliban across the country. The AFF claims to have attacked Taliban forces in Kabul, Laghman, and Parwan provinces, including an operation on the Taliban intelligence headquarters in Badghis province.
Meanwhile, the NLFA, an anti-Taliban group that declared its formation in February, has claimed several attacks against the Taliban in Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, and Paktia provinces. In Khost, the NLFA claims to have killed 12 Taliban members, including the chief of Alisher district. Taliban officials ignored NLFA claims, instead claiming that a fire occurred at the Alisher district military base (Etilaat e Roz, 2 May 2022). IS also attacked Taliban forces in northeastern Afghanistan, including attacks in Kabul, Kunar, and Nangarhar, killing at least nine Taliban members."
ToloNews, EU 'Concerned' by Reports of Civilian Casualties in Panjshir, 11 May 2022
"The European Union Ambassador to Afghanistan, Andreas von Brand, expressed concerns over the “reports of killings of civilians and mistreatment in Panjshir.” However, the local officials in Panjshir denied the reports of civilian casualties."
" The videos that are being circulated on social media shows clashes in Panjshir but the Islamic Emirate said the situation in Panjshir is normal. According to the Islamic Emirate, there are some clearing operations that have been launched in the provinces of Panjshir and Baghlan. This comes as the Resistance Front claimed it had overrun some areas in Panjshir, Baghan and Takhar provinces and that its forces inflicted casualties on the Islamic Emirate, but the Islamic Emirate denied it."
ToloNews, Islamic Emirate: "Adversaries in Panjshir Surrendered", 10 May 2022
"The Islamic Emirate said that more than 100 of their opponents have surrendered through the mediation of tribal elders. Meanwhile, the Resistance Front claimed that many civilians have been targeted by the Islamic Emirate in Andarab district of Baghlan. The Islamic Emirate denied the civilian casualties."
ToloNews, 5 Islamic Emirate Troops Killed in Panjshir Clash: Local Official, 9 May 2022
"At least five members of Islamic Emirate forces were killed and two were wounded in a clash that took place on Friday in Dara district of central Panjshir province, local officials said on Monday."
"“Hostilities had grown in Dara district, but a small-scale damage had been done to Taliban troops, including the destruction of three vehicles and the injury of three members,” Abu Bakr Siddiqui, spokesman for the Taliban governor in Panjshir province, told the media today, 9th May. Six Taliban were captured and seven Taliban tanks were entirely destroyed, according to the spokesperson for NRF. While the spokesman for the NRF claims that the Taliban are under pressure in Panjshir and have suffered casualties, a Taliban spokesman for the province claims that their “operation” to clear members of the NRF in the AbdullahKhel village has forced them to flee to the mountains. However, public sources in Panjshir province state that two military helicopters evacuated all Taliban bodies and wounded to Kabul yesterday."
Khaama, The National Resistance Front to Reassume the Control of Sections of Panjshir Province, 7 May 2022
"The Resistance Front claims that operations in Panjshir have resumed, with their first operation claiming sections of the province. The Resistance Front’s spokesman, Sibghatullah Ahmadi, tweeted last night, May 7, that the districts of AbdullahKhel and Abshar, with the exception of their centers, had fallen to the Front. He also labeled all of the Resistance Front’s held territories as crucial and strategic, noting that the district centers were under siege and that the Taliban had asked more time to surrender. The operation was carried out as the Taliban Red Unit was conducting house-to-house searches in the two districts, according to the spokesman for the Resistance Front. The operation has killed 13 Taliban fighters, and Ahmadi claims that five of their armored vehicles have been destroyed."
Khaama, Mujahid: No Military Operations Have Been Carried Out Against Our Forces in Panjshir and Takhar, 7 May 2022
"In response to statements by Sebghatullah Ahmadi, spokesman for the Resistance Front, claiming sections of Panjshir province had fallen into the front’s control, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said no military actions had been carried out against their forces in Panjshir."
"The Durand Line, which was contested in the context of the Pashtun homeland movement, has recently become the source of increased border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite Pakistani intelligence’s estimate of expected hostility along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Asian Lite International claimed that the Afghan side has been relentless in its attacks. In the interest of peace and progress between the two ‘brotherly’ countries, Pakistan had to formally request Kabul to protect the Pakistan-Afghan border region, ensuring stern action against those involved for terror operations, on April 17. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) in Islamabad has explicitly said that border hostilities have increased significantly in recent days. The Taliban are enraged at a fence being built by Islamabad along their Durand line, a 2,700-kilometer (1,600-mile) frontier."
Ariana News, IEA officials visit victims of Pakistani airstrikes, deny existence of TTP, 18 April 2022
“The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense, Mali Khan, visited families of victims of Pakistani airstrikes in Khost on Monday and said they have strengthened Afghanistan’s borders with more troops, weapons and equipment. The Ministry of Defense says that Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) forces are ready to defend their country against any threat and that there is no power in the region or in the world to fight these forces. At the same time, the IEA’s spokesman denies the presence of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) in Afghanistan.”
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), Kabul denies presence of TTP fighters in Afghanistan, 19 April 2022
“The Taliban government has spurned reports regarding the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan. However, the government’s spokesman acknowledged on Monday there could be issue in mountainous and far-flung areas of the country. Zabihullah said Afghan forces were capable of defending their homeland. He hoped tensions with Pakistan would be defused via diplomatic channels. Earlier in the week, 47 Afghans were killed and over 20 others wounded in Pakistani military raids and rocket strikes in and Khost provinces.”
Ariana News, Badakhshan establishes new anti-insurgency unit, 19 April 2022
“Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officials in Badakhshan said Monday a new security unit has been established in the province to maintain security. According to the officials the members of this new unit are well-equipped and ready to suppress any insurgency by opposition groups. Badakhshan deputy governor Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi said there has been incidents of insurgency by groups linked to Daesh and the so-called Resistance Front. Officials said they will not allow anyone to disturb the security in Badakhshan.”
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), Unidentified Armed Men Attack a Taliban Base in Logar, 18 April 2022
“This is the first armed attack on Talibans’ base in Logar province since the Taliban returned to power. Local sources in province have confirmed that at around 1:00 AM Monday night anonymous armed men attacked a Taliban base in -e Alam city, the center of Logar province. Sources told Hasht-e Subh that the attack took place at the Tangi base in Kanjak area of Pol-e Alam city, confirming that the clash between the two sides lasted for about twenty minutes. No casualties have been reported so far.”
Al Jazeera, ISIL 2.0: How the group became a franchise, 12 April 2022
“Having now transitioned from fighters to civil servants, the Taliban is in the ironic position of having to conduct campaigns against a network of ISIL fighters who are well versed in hiding themselves in cities. ISIL in Afghanistan also leverages the Taliban’s uncomfortable transition with disaffected members of the Taliban who are easier to recruit. The two groups are now locked in an existential battle for survival, the Taliban and indeed Afghanistan as a whole, in desperate need of peace after several decades of war.
The Taliban government has its hands full as famine ravages the country, its funds partially frozen as it struggles to gain international recognition and the aid that would follow. ISKP [The Afghan affiliate, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISKP (ISIS-K)], has taken advantage of this lull and focused on building up its strength, using funds the group has received from its affiliates in Iraq and northern Syria to grow to double its size in Afghanistan since the United States pulled out. It now controls limited territory in the east of the country. US intelligence predicts that unless ISIL is seriously compromised by the Taliban, it will be able to conduct attacks outside the country by mid-2023 as cells spread to Pakistan.”
International Crisis Group, Tracking Conflict Worldwide: Afghanistan - March 2022, 6 April 2022
“Following 25 Feb Taliban large-scale search operations in north, specifically in Kabul, Kapisa, Parwan and Panjshir, in attempt to forestall spring offensive by NRF, Taliban early March expanded operations to Logar and Laghman provinces (east), Baghlan province (north), and Herat and Badghis provinces (west); rumours rose of imminent large-scale operations in Nangarhar province (east). Risk of Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) and NRF resuming operations in warmer weather remained.”
Al Jazeera, In Pakistan’s Borderlands, Taliban quietly expanding influence, 8 December 2021
“Since January, at least 69 people have been killed in 37 attacks across South and North Waziristan districts, according to data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP).
The attacks have included targeted killings of anti-Taliban civilians, extortion-related killings, checkpost raids and numerous improvised explosive device (IED) attacks targeting security forces, who account for 84 percent of all reported casualties in these areas.
“Shocks were felt in Pakistan due to evolving situation in Afghanistan,” said the source. “However, this scenario was short-lived as Pakistan’s security forces remain ready to deal with any internal [or] external threats.” [...]
In [ ] North Waziristan, the security situation appears to be even worse.
“After the collapse of Kabul, they have gotten internal strength and confidence, and they have come onto the front foot,” says Mohsin Dawar, North Waziristan’s sole member of Pakistan’s lower house of parliament, who travels often to the district. [...]
“For normal people, their lives are completely at a standstill,” says one resident, who requested anonymity fearing reprisals. “They are very distressed, because they can’t say anything to the army or to the Taliban. “People are afraid.””
Thomson Reuters Foundation News, ICC judges ask UN for help identifying who represents Afghanistan, 8 October 2021
“The International Criminal Court on Friday said it cannot rule on a prosecutor's request to resume a war crimes investigation of Afghanistan until it can decide who represents the country in international bodies.
The judges asked U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the ICC's governing body for help identifying which group officially rules Afghanistan from an international law standpoint. It asked for a response by Nov. 8.”
RUSI, Afghanistan: A Safe Haven for Global Jihadism Once More?, 20 September 2021
“The Taliban’s leadership still seems to want to proceed with its policy of confining foreign jihadists in ‘reserves’ where their movements can be controlled. Taliban sources in Badakhshan say that just days ago the Central Asian jihadists clustered near Jurm were told to get ready to be transferred to their assigned areas and registered. The possibility of taking away their weapons was also raised, to their dismay.
Still, the pro-jihadist lobby has fairly good hopes of prevailing in Kabul. The Haqqani network has a powerful presence in the cabinet, with four ministerial posts – including the minister of the interior – and has obvious influence on government activities due to its control over Kabul. In any case, Al-Qa’ida is not trusting its fate to the uncertain outcome of power struggles in Kabul and has been preparing back-up options in case its allies within the Taliban lose out. In recent months it has encouraged the TTP to move to the Loya Paktia region, under the protection of the Haqqani network. Now old members of Al-Qa’ida are moving from Waziristan to the Afghan province of Paktia, local sources say, a further sign that it might be seeking to turn the area into its new safe haven.”
TOLO News, Taliban Says Panjshir is Captured, Resistance Claims War Not Over, 10 September 2021
“The Taliban said they are in control of Panjshir and the resistance forces are hiding in "valleys and caves."
Fives days after all districts of Panjshir and the provincial center were captured by the Taliban, a commander of the Resistance Front on Friday in a recorded video message said the Taliban’s presence in Panjshir does not mean the end of the war.”
FDD’s Long War Journal, Taliban completes conquest of Afghanistan after seizing Panjshir | FDD's Long War Journal, 6 September 2021
“The Taliban completed its military conquest of Afghanistan and took control of the mountainous province of Panjshir after seven days of heavy fighting. The fall of Panjshir puts the Taliban in full control of the country and eliminates the final vestige of organized resistance to its rule.”
UNAMA, Report of the Secretary-General: The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security, 8 September 2021
“The situation in Afghanistan remained highly fluid, after a Taliban military offensive took control of provincial capitals and Kabul. The departure of President Ghani and entry of Taliban forces into the capital on 15 August saw the de facto disintegration of the Government. [...]
4. The Taliban extensively expanded its territorial control in a military campaign in which it seized 33 out of 34 of the provincial capitals within a 10-day period in August. Following the Taliban forces’ entry into Kabul on 15 August, President Ghani left the country, stating via social media that his aim had been to prevent bloodshed. On 15 August, Taliban deputy leader and head of the Political Commission, Mullah Baradar, issued a video announcing the group’s “unexpected” victory. [...]
16. Insecurity in Afghanistan steadily increased during the reporting period as the Taliban initiated a large-scale offensive amid the withdrawal of the remaining international military forces. As at 18 August, they controlled all of Afghanistan, except Panjshir Province.”
FDD’s Long War Journal, National Resistance Front repels multi-day Taliban assault on Panjshir, 2 September 2021
“After weeks of fruitless negotiations between the Taliban’s political leadership and senior leaders of the National Resistance Front in Panjshir, the Taliban launched a multi-pronged attack on the Panjshir Valley beginning on Aug.31. The Taliban timed the assault on Panjshir for immediately after the U.S. military pulled out of Kabul airport and ended efforts to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies.To this point, the National Resistance Front has mostly successfully warded off the Taliban by virtue of easily defended positions in the mountainous region, inflicting heavy Taliban casualties along the way.”