Afghanistan United Front Announces First Military Operation Against Taliban

DID Press: Afghanistan United Front, led by Sami Sadat, a former commander of Afghanistan’s special forces, has announced the launch of its first military operation against the Taliban, marking a new development in the activities of armed opposition groups as Taliban rule enters its fifth year.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Afghanistan United Front said it had launched a “military operation against the Taliban and other terrorist groups” as part of what it calls the “Mission for the Liberation of Afghanistan.

“The group described itself as a successor to Afghanistan’s constitution, the country’s former tricolor flag and national values, saying it would continue its struggle to “restore freedom, realize the will of the people, and ensure justice and dignity for Afghans.

“The group said its forces attacked Taliban positions along the Kandahar–Spin Boldak route on July 30. The Taliban have not commented on the claim.In its message to Afghans, the United Front said its members had returned to the battlefield to fight extremism and oppression and bring peace, stability and progress to Afghanistan.

Sadat, a senior Afghan army commander during the former republic and the last commander of the 215th Maiwand Corps in Helmand, leads the group.The Afghanistan United Front was established in the United States in October 2023 and had previously focused largely on political activities. This is the first time the group has claimed responsibility for an armed operation.

The announcement comes as Taliban rule enters its fifth year and armed opposition groups have increased their military activities in recent weeks. About two weeks ago, the newly formed Sipah-e Mihan briefly seized control of Yaftal-e Payin district in Badakhshan, while the Afghanistan Freedom Front engaged Taliban forces in Zebak district.