The Taliban surrounds the resistance movement in the Panjshir Valley and the fighting continues

Since the fall of Kabul on August 15, thousands of Afghans have gathered in the fabled Panjshir Valley. The mountainous, hard-to-reach region is described as the only part of the country not yet controlled by the Taliban. But now Taliban fighters are said to be besieging the valley.

Arash Hazratti the Afghan Swede is in constant contact with the national resistance movement in Panjshir. He says the Taliban began their offensive late on Tuesday and that they attacked from three different fronts. On two fronts, they have been pushed back, according to Arash.

“For the whole of Afghanistan, Panjshir is the last and only hope for liberation from the Taliban,” said Arash Hadhrati.

Unconfirmed information about battle casualties

“Last night, the Taliban attacked Panjshir, but they were defeated with seven dead and several wounded,” former Afghan Defense Minister Bismillah Mohammadi wrote on Twitter.

There are various data about the number of dead and wounded, none of which have been confirmed by independent sources. At least four dead and several Taliban fighters were taken to hospital, an Italian aid organization said.

The partially armed counter movement is led by the son of the legendary warlord Ahmed Shah Massoud Ahmed Massoud. Local militias, remnants of the army and special forces joined the civilian side.

– They are fighting to survive, says Arch Honorable Ones.

Taliban ends negotiations

The Taliban says talks with the resistance have been suspended.

– Brothers, we did our best to solve the problem of Panjshir with talks and negotiations, but unfortunately everything was in vain, says Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaki in an audio message posted on Twitter.

Panjshirdalin, 80 km north of Kabul, is one of the smallest provinces in the country. The geographical separation, which makes it difficult to occupy the place, can also be a disadvantage of the resistance movement. Taliban forces occupied all entrances. It is almost impossible to get supplies and equipment.

Whether the resistance has any chance against the Taliban’s vast superiority in weapons and manpower remains to be seen.