KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Taliban checkpoint in Herat, stating that four Taliban members were killed and two others injured.
In an X post today (December 9), the AFF reported that the attack occurred this evening at Mostofiat Square in Herat. The group added that its forces engaged in an armed clash with Taliban fighters following the assault but suffered no casualties among its ranks.
Local sources in Herat confirmed the incident, saying Taliban forces blocked the intersection and fired warning shots into the air after the attack. Sources further noted that the attack was carried out using a hand grenade, but no civilian casualties were reported.
Taliban officials in Herat have not yet commented on the attack.
The AFF, comprised largely of former Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) personnel and led by General Yasin Zia, was formed following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Since its formation, the group has engaged in numerous battles against the Taliban, particularly in Panjshir, Kabul, and surrounding provinces. The AFF claims to have killed dozens of Taliban fighters over the past three years.
In recent months, the AFF has intensified its guerrilla operations, targeting Taliban military bases and checkpoints in major cities. Last month, the group claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on the military section of Kabul Airport, which allegedly resulted in casualties and financial losses for the Taliban.
While the Taliban downplays the significance of the AFF’s attacks, a report submitted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the UN Security Council in September documented at least 21 verified AFF attacks between May and July.
According to the AFF, it has conducted 230 attacks over the past two years, resulting in the deaths of 600 Taliban members and injuries to 700 others.
