Afghanistan Freedom Front Claims Pre-Emptive Attack on Taliban in Badakhshan

DID Press: Afghanistan Freedom Front said on Saturday that it had carried out a pre-emptive mortar attack on Taliban positions in Zebak district of northeastern Badakhshan province, claiming the operation was launched in response to preparations by the Taliban for an imminent assault.

The group said its forces targeted Taliban positions along the front lines in Zebak with mortars on Saturday, Aug. 15. According to the Freedom Front, Taliban forces had been preparing to attack its positions and the operation was intended to prevent the planned assault.

The claim came as fighting between the Taliban and armed opposition groups has intensified in Nusay-e Darwaz district of Badakhshan in recent days.The Freedom Front claimed that the attack inflicted “heavy casualties” on Taliban forces, including deaths and injuries, but did not provide a specific figure.

The Taliban have not commented on the report.Local reports said wounded Taliban fighters were transferred to medical facilities in Zebak and Faizabad.

The Freedom Front said its special forces remained active at defensive positions and bases in Zebak and would continue their armed resistance.