Taliban Again Claims ‘Complete Takeover’ of Panjshir

Taliban spokesman has announced that the Taliban have successfully taken control of the last stronghold of resistance in Afghanistan following the siege of Panjshir. The group had made similar claims three days ago about taking Panjshir, but fighting by the “Afghan National Resistance” forces continued.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, has claimed “complete takeover” of Panjshir Valley. Panjshir was the last stronghold of resistance against Taliban rule. During their first period in power (1996 to 2001), the Taliban had been unable to take control of this region.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, while announcing the news of Panjshir’s takeover, spoke of Afghanistan’s liberation from the quagmire of war.

The Taliban on Friday, September 3rd, had also claimed to have taken Panjshir. This was despite the fact that following Taliban forces’ advancement in the region, fighting between the National Resistance Movement and fighters affiliated with the group continued.

Meanwhile, the Afghan Resistance Movement has confirmed the death of Fahim Dashti, its spokesman, as well as General Abdul Wadood Zara, one of Ahmad Shah Massoud’s relatives.

Fahim Dashti, before his death, had tweeted about the Resistance Movement’s readiness for a ceasefire. In the final days of last week, Panjshir Valley came under siege by Taliban forces.

Source: DW