Taliban forces are approaching an uncontrolled part of Afghanistan: the Panjshir Valley, near the imposing Hindu Kush mountain range north of Kabul. The Islamist group is pressuring opposition leaders to join a new government, threatening a military attack if they do not.
Panjshir politicians, who say they are backed by a militia of several thousand men, reinforced by the remnants of the Afghan army and with military equipment such as helicopters, say they have rejected the Taliban openings, which they say do not meet the requirements. promises of autonomy they want.
On Sunday, Taliban and rebel forces skirmished on the outskirts of the valley, a resistance leader said. Families of residents in the valley said the Taliban also cut off telephone and internet connections in the valley.
At the same time, talks between the two sides continued, officials from both camps said.
“The problem is that they are not willing to make any concessions. And we are not willing to accept any kind of political system that is not inclusive, ”said Ali Nazary, head of the rebels’ foreign affairs, called the National Resistance Front.