Taliban face rising insurgency and social repression in Afghanistan

As the Taliban approach the five-year anniversary of seizing power in Afghanistan, the regime faces increasing pressure from both internal and external opposition. In the northeastern province of Badakhshan, the Taliban briefly lost control of the Yaftal-e Payeen district capital, marking the first time a district center has fallen to insurgents since August 2021. This period has also seen reports of internal clashes among Taliban fighters and fatal attacks on high-ranking officials.

In response to these developments, former Afghan army general Sami Sadat, currently based in the United States, has ordered United Front military members to begin operations against the Taliban. Other groups, such as the National Resistance Front, continue an armed struggle against the regime.

While the Taliban government claims to have achieved peace and improved security since the withdrawal of international troops, critics argue that this stability is undermined by widespread intimidation. The regime’s control is characterized by severe repression, particularly affecting women and girls. Approximately 2.2 million girls are currently excluded from secondary education, and the government has issued over 100 decrees that restrict women's participation in public life.