The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack targeting Taliban forces in Badakhshan, saying at least three Taliban fighters were killed and two others wounded in the strike. The incident marks one of the most significant armed engagements reported from the province in recent weeks, underscoring the growing intensity of resistance operations against the Taliban.
According to a statement issued by the AFF on Sunday, the attack was carried out on Saturday evening and struck the Taliban’s Seventh Security District in the provincial capital. The group said the confrontation continued for more than 15 minutes and involved the use of both light and heavy weapons. The AFF added that all its fighters involved in the operation returned safely without any injuries.
The resistance group stated that the strike was a deliberate and coordinated action aimed at undermining Taliban control in Badakhshan, a province that has seen a series of insurgent activities targeting Taliban checkpoints, security installations, and patrol units in recent months.
Taliban officials have yet to comment on the incident, and no independent verification of the casualties has been made. The group, which often downplays attacks by resistance forces, has not issued any statement acknowledging the strike or the reported losses.
The Afghanistan Freedom Front, formed after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, has been active across several northern provinces, frequently claiming ambushes, targeted attacks, and coordinated assaults against Taliban positions. The group says its operations are aimed at “restoring freedom and resisting Taliban oppression,” though independent analysts note that confirming such claims remains challenging due to restrictions on media access and Taliban censorship.
Badakhshan has emerged as a key battleground in the evolving landscape of anti-Taliban resistance, given its strategic terrain and history as a stronghold for opposition movements. In recent months, the province has witnessed increased activity by various anti-Taliban groups, contributing to a steadily deteriorating security environment.
Saturday’s attack, highlights the persistent challenges the Taliban face in consolidating control over the country’s northern regions. With resistance operations gaining momentum and local discontent simmering, observers warn that such strikes may increase in frequency, further destabilising the already volatile security landscape.
The AFF said it would continue its operations against the Taliban, vowing to intensify its campaign in the coming weeks. The group also reiterated its commitment to targeting Taliban security structures, signalling a prolonged confrontation in the months ahead. As of now, residents in Badakhshan remain on edge, awaiting further clarity on the situation as the Taliban’s response and potential retaliatory measures remain uncertain.
