Taliban enters Panjshir, opposition vows to continue resistance

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – After controlling Panjshir Valley, the last stronghold of the resistance forces led by Ahmad Shah Masoud, Taliban has controlled the country as a whole, said Zabiullah Mujahid, the official spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, known as Taliban, in a press conference on Monday.

In an audio recording, Ahmad Masoud, the leader of the National Resistance Front in Afghanistan, admitted that the Taliban is now controlling all of Afghanistan.

Although many of the leaders of the military resistance, including members of his family, were killed, Masoud said that they will continue resisting the Taliban in the Panjshir Valley. 

A video which was posted on social media showed some fighters of the Taliban raising the flag in front of the headquarters of the governor of the state of Panjshir Valley, signaling the full control of the state that Ahmad Masoud had taken as a stronghold.

In the context, Zabiullah Mujahid reassured the residents of Panjshir Valley that they will be treated equally, adding: “they are our brothers and they will work with us for a common goal and prosperity of the country.”

Since May, the Taliban has expanded its control of Afghanistan, coinciding with the start of the last phase of the withdrawal of the US forces, which was announced to be ended by August 31.