Taliban Chief of Staff visits northern provinces amid rising military resistance
In response to escalating armed resistance and concerns over Tajikistan's alleged support for their opponents, Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat, the chief of staff of the Taliban army, undertook a strategic visit to several northern provinces of Afghanistan this week.
The Taliban's chief of staff specifically visited the 217th Omari Corps and the 7th Border Brigade in Kunduz province, emphasizing the need for robust measures to strengthen the Taliban's military presence in the face of mounting challenges.
During the Kunduz visit, Fasihuddin inspected the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, addressing potential shortcomings in the border forces to prevent adversaries from seeking refuge in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan's lack of diplomatic relations with the Taliban and its harboring of Taliban opponents, including those aligned with Ahmad Massoud's National Resistance Front, has added tension to their relationship.
With Tajikistan perceived as a possible supporter of Taliban opponents, fears of increased armed resistance against the Taliban persist.
There are speculations that some of the Taliban's military rivals have sought refuge in Tajikistan, traveling through routes from Panjshir to Baghlan and onwards.
Fasihuddin's visit aims to fortify the Taliban's border defenses, preventing political and military opponents from finding shelter in Tajikistan. Tajik authorities deny backing the Taliban's adversaries but advocate for an inclusive government in Afghanistan representing all ethnic groups.
Since the Taliban's takeover, key figures from the previous Afghan government, including former President Ashraf Ghani and his deputy Amrullah Saleh, are reported to have fled to Tajikistan, utilizing helicopters due to the Taliban's lack of control over Afghan airspace.
In Baghlan province, Fasihuddin extended his visit to Andrab city, a hub for former military personnel from the previous republican regime. The Taliban's statement highlighted discussions on the city's security situation, meetings with local elders and authorities, and assurances of maintaining security.
Sources reveal that Fasihuddin urged Andrab's elders to prevent youth recruitment by the national and freedom resistance fronts, deeming any opposition as "rebellion" subject to suppression.
Amid domestic and international legitimacy crises, criticism of rights violations, and economic challenges, the Taliban faces growing dissatisfaction. Simultaneously, political opponents seek unity for potential political and military confrontations, evident in recent gatherings organized for this purpose.
