Asia Times: Taliban Gradually Losing Control as Armed Resistance Spreads Across Afghanistan
The Taliban is facing growing challenges from armed opposition groups as resistance activity spreads across Afghanistan, according to an analysis published by Asia Times.
The analysis says opposition groups claimed responsibility for 119 attacks across 26 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces during August and September, suggesting that resistance activity is expanding beyond its traditional strongholds in the north.
The Afghanistan United Front claimed 59 operations, followed by the Afghanistan Freedom Front with 29, the National Resistance Front with 11, the National Independence Front with nine, and Afghan Green Trend with seven. Two other groups claimed two operations each.
The analysis highlights the reported expansion of operations into southern provinces, including Helmand, Kandahar and Nimroz, challenging the perception that armed resistance remains largely concentrated in northern Afghanistan.
A September report by the United Nations Secretary General recorded 88 attacks claimed by armed opposition groups across 21 provinces between May 1 and July 31. UN investigators verified 55 incidents but assessed that the groups did not pose a significant threat to the Taliban’s territorial control.
The analysis also raises concerns over alleged human rights violations against former Afghan security personnel, warning that continued repression could encourage some to join armed opposition groups.
Despite the reported spread of resistance, the analysis notes that opposition groups remain fragmented and have not demonstrated the military strength required to seize control of the country. However, the widening geographical reach of their claimed operations presents an ongoing security challenge for the Taliban authorities.
