Panjshir Resistance Leader Calls For ‘National Uprising’ Against Taliban

Kabul: The leader of the resistance movement in Afghanistan’s Panjshir valley on Monday called for a “national uprising” against the Taliban.

In an audio message sent to the media, commander of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan Ahmad Shah Massoud said, “Wherever you are, inside or outside, I call on you to begin a national uprising for the dignity, freedom and prosperity of our country.”

The development came after reports that Taliban forces had fought their way into the provincial capital of Panjshir after securing the surrounding districts.

Earlier on Monday, Massoud had confirmed that one of the top resistance leaders, Fahim Dashti, was killed in fighting with the Taliban.

Massoud made the announcement on social media.

Fahim Dashti was a friend and a brother. He stood for free speech and his ideals and died like a hero for his homeland! pic.twitter.com/tmeIPsMTiO

— Ahmad Massoud (@Mohsood123) September 6, 2021

According to NRFA, Dashti was killed during firing in Panjshir province on Sunday.

Dashti had been one of the main sources of updates from the area as the Taliban pressed in on Afghan forces. He had issued a series of defiant statements on Twitter, vowing that the resistance would continue.