KABUL: The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) says at least 21 Taliban fighters, including several commanders, were killed and 37 others wounded in an attack on Taliban positions in the Zebak district of Badakhshan.
Uprising in Badakhshan Province Afghanistan.
21 Taliban fighters, including commander Faridullah Wahdat were killed yesterday. The Resistance Forces have forced Taliban forces to retreat.#Badakhshan #Afghanistan #Taliban #Resistance #Front #Kabul @NRFMediaCell pic.twitter.com/Zum6tWHKDd— ANN Breaking (@ANN_Breaking1) July 25, 2026
The front said in a statement that its operation began on Thursday morning, 23 July, from several directions against Taliban bases and military positions in Zebak, and was continuing.
According to the AFF, its fighters pushed Taliban forces out of bases and positions in the highlands surrounding a border post in Zebak. The group said the Taliban had made several attempts to retake the lost positions but failed, suffering casualties and retreating.
La vidéo montre de violents combats entre les résistants du Front des soldats de la patrie (armée afghane) et les talibans à #Badakhshan hier soir.
La vallée de Qal’eh-ye Zalbaak, et la zone entre Ashkasham et Zalbaak, sont maintenant libérées par la résistance.
Badakhshan :… pic.twitter.com/FzeRF1iVbU
— La Lettre d’Afghanistan 🇦🇫 (@AfghanLetter) July 24, 2026
The AFF said at least 37 wounded Taliban members were flown by helicopter to hospitals in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan, and several other districts.
The statement said its fighters had seized large quantities of ammunition, light and heavy weapons, military equipment and other combat supplies from the Taliban.
ALSO READ: Taliban Fear Armed Resistance in Badakhshan
The group said its forces had captured areas from the Taliban and would continue fighting. The AFF said one of its fighters had been killed in the clashes.
The Taliban had earlier confirmed the fighting and said five attackers had been killed.
The clashes are the latest in a series of attacks targeting Taliban forces in Badakhshan, a province that has seen an increase in armed opposition activity in recent weeks.
Reports from multiple Afghan provinces suggest that anti-Taliban resistance activity is increasing, with armed groups claiming a growing number of operations across northern and northeastern parts of the country.
Earlier this month, the Sepahiyan-e Mihan (Homeland Soldiers’ Front) claimed to have seized the district headquarters, police headquarters, and intelligence offices in Yaftal.
According to the group and local reporting, resistance fighters lowered the Taliban flag and captured weapons, vehicles, and other military equipment before Taliban reinforcements reportedly regained control of the area.
The latest reports from Zebak suggest that Badakhshan is emerging as a significant area of resistance. Repeated attacks against Taliban positions indicate persistent security challenges for the Taliban in the province and may reflect increasing pressure on its ability to maintain control in parts of the region.
