File image.
On September 3, the Taliban advanced deep in the northeastern Afghan province of Panjshir, the stronghold of a large resistance force led by Ahmad Massoud Jr.
Sources affiliated with the Taliban claimed that the group’s fighters had imposed control of the districts of Shutal and Paryan. However, other Afghan sources went as far as claiming that the enter province has fallen into the hand of the Taliban.
VIDEO circulated by pro-TB accounts claiming to show another TB convoy headed towards Panjshir from surrounding region. Undated. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/td6onZh3K1
— FJ (@Natsecjeff) September 3, 2021
Main clashes in #Panjshir took place last night on Khawak-Shatal axis. Militias held defense lines except in southern portion where #IEA made some inroads. Fighting still ongoing via @hbalkhi1 @alibomaye pic.twitter.com/8VmjJfGUWL
— Abu Drexy Khorasani (Drexy Baba) (@RisboLensky) September 3, 2021
Tanks on high altitudes? Whatever the outcome will be , battle for #Panjshir will be epic. And tragic #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/YwLfRtOulK
— Abu Drexy Khorasani (Drexy Baba) (@RisboLensky) September 3, 2021
In that area #IEA managed to take some hilltop watchtowers #Panjshir #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/Z3A2ZDszzp
— Abu Drexy Khorasani (Drexy Baba) (@RisboLensky) September 3, 2021
Amrullah Saleh, former Afghan Vice President and one of the top leaders of the Panjshir resistance, denied reports claiming that he fled Afghanistan. In a message to the BBC, the leader acknowledged that the situation in the province is difficult.
A video message sent to us @BBCWorld from one of the leaders of the anti-Taliban resistance, fmr VP @AmrullahSaleh2 who says they're under attack from terrorists and points the finger of blame at Pakistan. Pakistan of course deny they support Taliban forces #Panjshir #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/w3e6GnrRXi
— Yalda Hakim (@BBCYaldaHakim) September 3, 2021
According to resistance forces, as much as 300 fighters of the Taliban have been killed since the group launched its attack on Panjshir on September 2.
This is #Bazarak Panjshir
Three Hours ago Our fresh & experience forces heading to #Khawak district #Panjshir pic.twitter.com/DIxRiVKkQx
— Panjshir_Province (@PanjshirProvin1) September 3, 2021
A few hours after launching the attack, Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, claimed that 11 “important” positions along the main road leading to the eastern province of Badakhshan had been captured.
The Taliban negotiated with the leaders of resistance forces in Panjshir for nearly two weeks. However, the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
The ongoing offensive on Panjshir is meant to subdue resistance forces and force their leaders to accept the rule of the Taliban. The group will not likely announce its “government” before solving the crisis in Panjshir.
