KABUL: A new armed group challenging Taliban rule, named Jabha-e-Rahaibakhsh (Liberation Front) and led by Gul Mohammad Pahlawan, is expected to formally announce its establishment in the coming days, according to local sources.
The development comes amid increasing armed resistance against the Taliban, particularly in Afghanistan’s northern provinces.
Sources claimed that an attack carried out on Monday against Taliban forces in Bilchiragh district of Faryab province was conducted by fighters affiliated with the newly formed front.
The same sources also reported another attack in Ghormach district, although no additional information regarding casualties, damage or the nature of the operation has been released.
The emergence of the Jabha-e-Rahaibakhsh comes as Afghanistan continues to witness a gradual expansion of anti-Taliban armed activity, especially across northern regions.
Security analysts note that resistance operations have become more frequent in provinces including Faryab, Badakhshan and Baghlan, where several anti-Taliban factions have claimed responsibility for attacks in recent months.
Sources said the new group is expected to join a growing list of armed organisations challenging Taliban rule, alongside the National Resistance Front (NRF), the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) and the Afghanistan United Front.
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Sources suggest that the emergence of additional factions may indicate that opposition to the Taliban is becoming increasingly decentralised and locally organised, rather than confined to isolated attacks.
Analysts believe that continued resistance reflects a combination of political, social and economic grievances within Afghanistan.
These include restrictions on women’s education and employment, worsening economic conditions, ethnic discrimination and broader concerns over governance under the Taliban administration.
Should multiple resistance groups begin coordinating their activities more closely, the Taliban could face greater pressure on the domestic security front.
Such a development may require the authorities to divert additional personnel and resources to counter armed resistance, potentially affecting governance and stability in different parts of the country.
