The National Resistance Front (NRF) has claimed responsibility for a significant attack on Taliban forces in Panjshir province, marking one of the deadliest strikes by the opposition group in recent months. According to an official NRF statement released on Saturday, the assault targeted a Taliban base in Dara district on the night of Friday, May 17.
The operation reportedly began around 9:00 p.m. and focused on a facility used by the Taliban’s elite 3rd Battalion special unit. NRF forces claim they killed 13 Taliban fighters and wounded at least four others. The attack also resulted in the destruction of Taliban weaponry and equipment.
Local residents corroborated the timing of the assault, with several reporting a powerful explosion. One witness told Afghanistan International that the Taliban had repurposed the home of a local tribal elder into a military base. “The explosion occurred inside that house,” the source said.
The Taliban has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The attack coincides with an increased public presence of key NRF figures. Recent images show commanders Khalid Amiri and Hasib Panjshiri in full combat gear in what appears to be a mountainous region inside Afghanistan — a move likely intended to signal continued resistance activity on the ground.
General Qadam Shah Shahim, former Chief of Staff of the Afghan National Army, confirmed to Afghanistan International that NRF units remain active across multiple provinces, sustaining guerrilla-style operations against Taliban forces.
Led by Ahmad Massoud, the NRF remains the most structured armed opposition to the Taliban regime, with Panjshir and surrounding regions serving as ongoing flashpoints in their resistance campaign.
