'We will go on!' Taliban claims of taking 'complete control' spur new resistance fightback

Following the Taliban’s claims they had taken control of Panjshir, the last rebel stronghold in Afghanistan, rebel officials refuted reports they had collapsed. Now Ahmad Massoud, the Former Minister of Defence, has stated: “We are in Panjshir and our Resistance will continue.”

Posting on his Twitter, Mr Massoud refuted claims the resistance had fallen despite the Taliban claiming they had taken Panjshir.

He wrote in a separate post: “This is what strength is. To fight for your religion, your dignity, your nation.

“Nothing is more honourable.

“My family from Balkh to Panjshir are resisting, the Taliban are out to kill our families, either going door to door or in Panjshir!!!”

In another social media post, Mr Massoud asked Afghans to “rise up and stand against in any way possible” against the Taliban.

The National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF) also disputed claims Panjshir had fallen.

It added: “The NRF forces are present in all strategic positions across the valley to continue the fight.

“We assure the people of Afghanistan that the struggle against the Taliban and their partners will continue until justice and freedom prevails.”

READ MORE: Taliban claims ‘victory’ in last remaining rebel stronghold

On Monday, chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants have “completely captured” the Panjshir Valley.

He said: “With this victory, our country is completely taken out of the quagmire of war.”

After the Taliban claimed victory, at least 17 people were reported to have been killed and more than 40 injured in celebratory gunfire in Kabul.

Gulzada Sangar, spokesperson for an area hospital in the provincial capital of Jalalabad said at least 14 people were injured in celebratory firing in Nangarhar province.

Former vice president Amrullah Saleh, now a rebel leader with Mr Massoud, told the BBC the resistance fighters had “held the ground”.

He added: “There is no doubt we are in a difficult situation. We are under invasion by the Taliban…

“I am here with my soil, for my soil and defending its dignity.”

Panjshir has been witnessing heavy fighting between the resistance forces and Taliban since they captured the capital city of Kabul on August 15.

Earlier on Monday, reports held Mr Massoud and the NRF was ready to talk with the Taliban in hopes of securing a ceasefire.

In a Facebook post, he said: “The NRF in principle agree to solve the current problems and put an immediate end to the fighting and continue negotiations.

“To reach a lasting peace, the NRF is ready to stop fighting on condition that Taliban also stop their attacks and military movements on Panjshir and Andarab.”

He then added a large gathering of all sides with the Ulema council of religious scholars could then be held should fighting end.

There was no response from the Taliban.

source: express.co.uk