Afghanistan’s Resistance Grows as Fears of Pakistani Influence Persist

Five years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the group’s claim of absolute dominance is being tested by a surge in armed resistance. While small pockets of opposition in Panjshir, Badakhshan, and Baghlan’s Andarab district have struggled to challenge the Taliban’s rule, new movements are now emerging, marking a shift in the country’s political landscape. ## New Resistance Groups Challenge Taliban Control Last month, a newly formed resistance group called *Sipahiyan-i-Mihan* (Soldiers of the Homeland) briefly seized control of Yaftal-e Payeen district in Badakhshan. Local sources reported that its fighters disarmed Taliban personnel and raised their flag before withdrawing hours later. The Taliban claimed the fighters fled when reinforcements arrived, but the group insisted the withdrawal was voluntary. Regardless of the circumstances, this was the first time since August 2021 that a district center had fallen out of Taliban control. Despite the Taliban’s subsequent reinforcement of the area, no decisive military action against *Sipahiyan-i-Mihan* has been reported. Other groups have also stepped up their operations. The Republic Front of Afghanistan claimed responsibility for an attack on a vehicle carrying the Taliban’s intelligence chief in Kabul’s 18th district, though casualties remain unverified. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Afghanistan United Front, led by former Afghan army commander General Sami Sadat, announced *Operation Muharib*, reporting attacks in Kandahar, Helmand, and Badghis. Established resistance factions, such as the National Resistance Front (NRF) led by Ahmad Massoud and the Afghanistan Freedom Front under General Yasin Zia, have continued their campaigns. In Badakhshan’s Zebak district, clashes between the Freedom Front and the Taliban have persisted for weeks, with both sides claiming gains. Residents confirmed ongoing fighting, Taliban reinforcements, and house-to-house searches, while the Taliban’s chief of army staff, Fasihuddin Fitrat, reportedly visited the frontline. ## Civilians Bear the Brunt of Conflict For many Afghans, the militarization of their communities has brought hardship rather than hope. Residents in Zebak and Yaftal described Taliban fighters occupying schools and mosques, turning them into military bases. One resident lamented, *We are told to provide food for the Taliban fighters based in our village mosque, but how can we feed them when we can barely feed our own families?* The economic crisis has deepened, with a U.N. Development Program report in May 2026 revealing that three-quarters of Afghans cannot meet their basic needs, and over 80 percent of households are in debt. While anti-Taliban Afghans, both inside the country and abroad, have welcomed the resistance movements, suspicions linger about potential Pakistani involvement. Some fear that Pakistan, now in conflict with its former Taliban allies, may be using these groups as tools of influence. This concern stems from Pakistan’s history of treating Afghanistan as strategic territory rather than a sovereign neighbor, supporting the Taliban against previous governments to advance its security and regional ambitions. ## Pakistani Influence Raises Concerns Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have escalated over issues such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), cross-border attacks, and the Taliban’s engagement with India. While there are signs of Pakistani outreach to Afghan resistance groups, no concrete evidence suggests direct support or arming of these factions. In 2025, Pakistan hosted an Afghan dialogue excluding the Taliban, which fueled suspicions about Islamabad’s motives. Reports also suggest that some resistance fronts may have established offices in Pakistan, though the National Resistance Front has expressed caution, citing Pakistan’s history of *managing and containing* Afghan opposition. Afghans remain wary of foreign interference, particularly from Pakistan, which has a long history of backing factions to exert control. A former diplomat and resistance supporter, who requested anonymity, warned, *Any group that sides with Pakistan, I will not support that resistance group.* She emphasized that Pakistan’s bombing campaigns, which have killed civilians, make collaboration with Islamabad unacceptable. *They disagree today, but the Taliban are a product of Pakistan,* she added, highlighting the fear that any new government could face Pakistani manipulation if it refuses to comply with Islamabad’s demands. ## The Search for a Genuine Alternative As Afghans mark five years of Taliban rule, the desire for change is strong, but the lessons of history remain fresh. The NRF has outlined a vision for relations with Pakistan, advocating for mutual respect while rejecting foreign pressure. However, newer movements have not yet defined their stance on external influence. The resistance supporter concluded, *No Afghan faction should allow itself to become a vehicle for another state’s strategic ambitions once again.* For Afghans, the goal is not just to remove the Taliban but to build an inclusive, independent alternative-one that breaks the cycle of proxy rule and serves the people, not foreign interests.