The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has announced that heavy clashes are ongoing between its forces and Taliban fighters in the Zibak district of Badakhshan province. These skirmishes are part of a recent escalation in military tensions between the Taliban and armed opposition groups.
Daoud Naji, head of the AFF's political committee, said on Wednesday that Taliban forces had targeted the front's positions in Zibak multiple times with heavy weapons since the morning. He stated that these attacks were met with resistance and return fire from AFF commando forces, who remain stationed in their positions.
Meanwhile, local sources told Afghanistan International that the fighting began around 7 a.m. on Wednesday and was still continuing into the afternoon. Local Taliban officials have not yet commented on the clashes or any potential casualties.
Zibak district has witnessed several rounds of fighting between the two sides in recent weeks, indicating an effort by the Freedom Front to establish a foothold in this strategic area. The district holds particular military significance due to its mountainous terrain and its border with Pakistan.
The conflicts are not limited to Badakhshan. The AFF recently claimed to have carried out attacks in Nuristan and Kunar provinces, reporting casualties among Taliban forces. On Saturday, the front asserted that it had captured parts of Kamdesh district in Nuristan and Nari district in Kunar, killing 37 Taliban fighters.
In response, the Taliban's Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that it had concluded an operation against armed opponents in Kamdesh district. The ministry claimed that 41 opposition members were killed and 62 others were arrested, a claim that has not been independently verified.
The increase in clashes across various parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan suggests an intensification of military activities by anti-Taliban fronts as the colder season approaches.
Source: Afghanistan International
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