An Afghan policeman keeps watch during a ceremony to hand over security control in the rugged mountains of the Panjshir valley. AFP
Donkeys are loaded with goods in the Panjshir valley. AFP
A general view of the valley as seen from Ahmad Shah Massoud's grave. The warlord was nicknamed the Lion of Panjshir for his exploits in resisting Soviet forces. AP Photos
Panjshir is surrounded by mountains and is hard to reach. Reuters
Foreign tourists kayak along the Panjshir River, north of the Afghan capital, Kabul. They are unlikely to be in Afghanistan now. AP Photos
Abandoned Soviet artillery in Panjshir, left behind after the occupation from 1979 to 1989 and the subsequent fallout. Reuters
Afghan insurgents search for pro-Soviet regime and party officials among bus passengers in the Panjshir valley, the scene of fierce fighting in January 1981. AP Photo
This 1981 picture by an Iranian freelance photographer shows a Russian T-62 Commando tank destroyed in Panjshir valley. Afghan Mujahideen rebels said it was hit by a mine. AP Photo
