Afghan security forces train in Panjshir - in pictures
New personnel in the Afghan security forces take part in military training in Bandejoy, Panjshir province, only days after the Taliban’s stunning takeover of Afghanistan. AFP
The presence of Afghanistan’s armed forces in Panjshir is seen as vital because the province is one of the few areas of the country not under Taliban control. AFP
The tricky terrain of Panjshir valley is familiar territory to Ahmad Massoud, the son of veteran militia leader Ahmad Shah Massoud, who fought to resist the Taliban after Soviet forces left Afghanistan in 1989. AFP
Mr Massoud has formed the National Resistance Front, which has been in talks with Taliban leaders over the possibility of forming a coalition government, but any agreement appears unlikely. AFP
A strong military force has gathered in the Panjshir valley in preparation for a long battle with the Taliban, whose fighters are also assembling in the stronghold of resistance. AFP
Mr Massoud’s father was popularly known as the Lion of Panjshir after leading a dogged resistance against the Soviets in the 1980s and then the Taliban during the Afghan civil war. AFP
Panjshir never fell to the Taliban in the civil war and the resistance front is determined that that will also be the case now. AFP
Rigorous fitness training is required in the rugged terrain. AFP
Mr Massoud said Afghans must back all ‘local militias’ across the country to resist the Taliban. AFP
Mr Massoud said ‘the people … are going to fight to the very last breath’. AFP
