Panjshir ‘almost’ under Taliban control, NRF claims Ahmad Massoud in Afghanistan

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, September 12

Even as the Taliban are closing in on complete control of Panjshir valley, the National Resistance Force (NRF) lead by military commander, Ahmad Massoud is believed to be still in Afghanistan, according to reports.

The Iranian news agency FARS quoted a source as saying that rumours about Massoud leaving Afghanistan for Turkey or any other place are false.

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The report said that Massoud is said to be in a safe place and in contact with the Panjshir Valley. Taliban spokesman had earlier said that he had been told that Massoud and former vice president Amrullah Saleh had escaped to neighbouring Tajikistan, a report had claimed.

The report said 70 per cent of the main streets of Panjshir have been brought under Taliban’s control. “In recent days, the Taliban entered Panjshir and now 70 per cent of the main streets and passages are under their control, but the valleys of Panjshir are still under the complete control of the popular forces,” Qassem Mohammadi reportedly told FNA.

The NRF said that the resistance forces are present at all strategic positions across the valley to continue the fight.