Afghanistan Freedom Front
The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) is an anti-Taliban militant group operating in Afghanistan.[1] In some parts of Afghanistan, the AFF and National Resistance Front (NRF) collaborate on anti-Taliban operations.[3]
Afghanistan Freedom Front جبههَ آزادی افغانستان (Dari) د افغانستان د ازادۍ جبهه (Pashto) | |
---|---|
![]() Flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan | |
Dates of operation | 12 March 2022[1] – present |
Active regions | Nationwide across Afghanistan |
Ideology | Anti-Taliban Federalism National conservatism |
Status | Active |
Allies | ![]() ![]() |
Opponents | ![]() |
Battles and wars | Afghanistan conflict (1978–present) |
Website | https://freedom-front.com/ |
The AFF has reportedly tried to recruit pro-NRF fighters, putting in perspective the NRF's appeal being limited to Tajiks and pro-Jamiat e Islami groups.[4]
History
In March 2022, the AFF announced its formation to the public via social media.[5]
On 14 April, the AFF reported that its fighters have engaged Taliban forces simultaneously in Badakhshan, Baghlan, Kandahar, Parwan, Takhar, Laghman and Samangan.[6]
On 5 July, the AFF killed six Taliban soldiers and wounded two in a missile attack on Bagram Airfield. A Taliban military vehicle was also destroyed.[7] On 15 July, AFF fighters fought off a Taliban incursion in Khost wa Farang district.[8]
On 6 October 2022, there were claims that AFF fighters in Kandahar had assassinated a Taliban commander.[9]
On 10 March 2023, AFF detonated an IED on Taliban forces, killing 3 at Police Station District 5 in Kabul.[10]
On 30 March, AFF claimed its fighters attacked the Taliban Security Command in Kabul and killed two Taliban fighters.[11]
On 12 April, AFF representatives denied Taliban reports that Akmal Ameer was killed by Taliban forces, although they did confirm six AFF fighters dead.[12] But on 16 April, the AFF did say that Ameer was killed by Taliban fighters.[13]
Leadership
According to Voice of America, Yasin Zia is reported to be one of the leaders.[14] He is reportedly working with NRF officials, including Ahmad Massoud to get weapons and support for an anti-Taliban front.[3] This includes traveling to get support for the AFF.[15]
Locations
According to an AFF representative, the group is mobile, but operates in Salang valley in Parwan province; the Andarab and Khost-Farang districts in Baghlan province; the Ishkamish district in Takhar province as well as Sar-e-Pol, Nuristan, and Faryab provinces.[2]
References
- Bureau, N. V. I. (12 March 2022). "New outfit Afghanistan Freedom Front vows to end Taliban's 'tyrant rule'". Archived from the original on 16 July 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- O'Connor, Tom; Khaled, Fatma (30 August 2022). "A Year After U.S. Exit, Afghan rebel groups are waging war on Taliban rule". Newsweek.
- "Afghan resistance accuses Taliban of crimes and torture in Panjshir". PIME Asia News. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- "Afghanistan's Security Challenges under the Taliban". 12 August 2022.
- Kapur, Roshni. "New anti-Taliban forces in Afghanistan: Genesis of a low-intensity conflict?". Orf.
- "ACLED Regional Overview - South Asia and Afghanistan (2-8 April 2022) - Afghanistan | ReliefWeb".
- "Six Taliban Members Killed in Alleged Missile Attack by Liberation Front on Bagram Airport - Hasht-e Subh Daily". 8am.af. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- "Taliban Operations in Baghlan Repelled, Says Afghanistan Freedom Front".
- "Key Commander of the Taliban Killed in Kandahar". 6 October 2022.
- "Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) Detonate an IED on Taliban (IEA) Forces, Killing 3, PD 5, Kabul". 10 March 2023.
- Subh, Hasht-E. (30 March 2023). "AFF Claims Killing Two Fighters in Attack on Taliban Security Command in Kabul". Hasht-e Subh Daily. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- "Anti-Taliban armed front yet to confirm the death of its senior commander Akmal Ameer". 12 April 2023.
- "Afghanistan Freedom Front confirms the death of Akmal Ameer". 16 April 2023.
- "Afghan 'Fighting Season' Ushers in New Anti-Taliban Groups".
- "Afghan Resistance Leaders See 'No Option' but War".