Sources reported heavy fighting early Friday in parts of Parian district in Panjshir, in what appeared to be one of the most significant clashes reported in the province in recent months.
Local sources told Amu TV that the fighting took place in the Kohsar and Kor Pitab areas of Parian district and continued for several hours.
According to the sources, the intensity of the clashes prompted the Taliban to send hundreds of additional forces to the district.
The exact circumstances surrounding the fighting remained unclear, and there was no immediate independent confirmation of casualties or the parties involved.
Neither Taliban nor armed opposition groups operating against the Taliban publicly commented on the clashes.
But local sources claimed that Taliban forces had suffered casualties during the fighting.
“One could hear intense fighting continuing in Kohsar and Kor Pitab,” a resident of Panjshir said on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. “The Taliban are not allowing anyone to go to the area.”
Panjshir, a mountainous province north of Kabul, was the center of anti-Taliban resistance after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Although the Taliban rapidly took control of the province, armed opposition groups, including factions linked to the National Resistance Front, have periodically claimed attacks on Taliban positions in the area.
Taliban have repeatedly said they maintain full control over Panjshir and other provinces, though residents and opposition groups continue to report sporadic clashes, raids and security operations.
The reported fighting comes days after anti-Taliban graffiti appeared in Dara district of Panjshir, according to local sources. Images circulated on social media showed slogans reading “Death to the Taliban” and “Panjshir will soon be free.”
Sources said Taliban subsequently detained dozens of local residents following the appearance of the slogans.
Human rights organizations and residents have previously reported that Taliban have conducted arbitrary detentions and heavy-handed security operations in Panjshir, allegations the Taliban have denied.
