Afghanistan Freedom Front
The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) is an anti-Taliban militant group operating in Afghanistan.[1] In some parts of Afghanistan, the AFF and National Resistance Front (NRF) collaborate on anti-Taliban operations.[3]
| Afghanistan Freedom Front جبههَ آزادی افغانستان (Dari) د افغانستان د ازادۍ جبهه (Pashto) | |
|---|---|
![]() Flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan | |
| Dates of operation | 12 March 2022[1] – present |
| Active regions | Nationwide across Afghanistan |
| Ideology | Anti-Taliban Federalism National conservatism |
| Status | Active |
| Allies | |
| Opponents | |
| Battles and wars | Afghanistan conflict (1978–present) |
| Website | https://freedom-front.com/ |
The AFF has reportedly tried to recruit pro-NRF fighters, putting in perspective the NRF's appeal being limited to Tajiks and pro-Jamiat e Islami groups.[4]
History
In March 2022, the AFF announced its formation to the public via social media.[5]
On 14 April, the AFF reported that its fighters have engaged Taliban forces simultaneously in Badakhshan, Baghlan, Kandahar, Parwan, Takhar, Laghman and Samangan.[6]
On 5 July, the AFF killed six Taliban soldiers and wounded two in a missile attack on Bagram Airfield. A Taliban military vehicle was also destroyed.[7] On 15 July, AFF fighters fought off a Taliban incursion in Khost wa Farang district.[8]
On 6 October 2022, there were claims that AFF fighters in Kandahar had assassinated a Taliban commander.[9]
Leadership
According to Voice of America, Yasin Zia is reported to be one of the leaders.[10] He is reportedly working with NRF officials, including Massoud Jr. to get weapons and support for an anti-Taliban front.[3] This includes traveling to get support for the AFF.[11]
Locations
According to an AFF representative, the group is mobile, but operates in Salang valley in Parwan province; the Andarab and Khost-Farang districts in Baghlan province; the Ishkamish district in Takhar province as well as Sar-e-Pol, Nuristan and Faryab provinces.[2]
References
- Bureau, N. V. I. (12 March 2022). "New outfit Afghanistan Freedom Front vows to end Taliban's 'tyrant rule'".
- O'Connor, Tom; Khaled, Fatma (30 August 2022). "A Year After U.S. Exit, Afghan rebel groups are waging war on Taliban rule". Newsweek.
- "Afghan resistance accuses Taliban of crimes and torture in Panjshir". PIME Asia News. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-asia/afghanistan/afghanistans-security-challenges-under-taliban
- "New anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan: Genesis of a low-intensity conflict?".
- "ACLED Regional Overview - South Asia and Afghanistan (2-8 April 2022) - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb".
- "Six Taliban Members Killed in Alleged Missile Attack by Liberation Front on Bagram Airport - Hasht-e Subh Daily". 8am.af. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- https://www.afintl.com/en/202207152673
- "Key Commander of the Taliban Killed in Kandahar". 6 October 2022.
- "Afghan 'Fighting Season' Ushers in New Anti-Taliban Groups".
- https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/09/29/afghanistan-taliban-resistance-terrorism-jihad/
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