Monitoring Desk: Taliban have captured the home of late Ahmad Shah Massoud. Late Ahmad Shah was the only Afghan leader who had been contesting and fighting against the Taliban during the first rule of the Taliban between 1996-2001.
The Taliban posted footage of them holding a meeting at the historic Chamani Khustdeh residence in northern Takhar province.
This house was one of the anchor points that Ahmad Shah Massoud used as his headquarters. The residence has long been used as a museum, where military artifacts and Massoud memorabilia were kept.
Taliban are advancing further, they have already approached the borders of Tajikistan. Tajik State Committee for National Security (GKNB) has confirmed that the Taliban have reached the Tajik border and tried to enter Tajikistan. While the Taliban have rejected the claims of trying to enter Tajkistan.
Ahmad Shah Massoud, distinguished himself in battles against both Soviet troops and the Taliban. He was known as the Lion of Panjshar Valley (Valley of five lions). After the Taliban seized power, he led the Northern Alliance anti-Taliban movement. Massoud was killed on September 9, 2001, in an assassination attempt, allegedly planned by foreign countries.
Meanwhile, the Taliban have announced readiness to continue peace talks while advancing to more districts in Afghanistan. Taliban called the “Islamic system” the only option for peace in Afghanistan.
Taliban movement consider a “real Islamic system” the only way to end the military conflict in Afghanistan. The system fully respects the rights of all Afghans, including women, said Taliban deputy leader Abdullah Ghani Baradar.
At the same time, he pointed out that the Taliban are still ready for dialogue with the Afghan government, despite another round of violence in the country. “Our participation in the negotiations shows that we believe in resolving problems through mutual understanding,” said Baradar, who represents the Taliban at meetings with Afghan authorities in Doha.
The deputy Taliban leader also called on young Afghans not to go abroad. “Stay and serve the country and people. The Islamic Emirate will provide you with an opportunity for this,” he said. In addition, he assured minorities, diplomats and staff of international and humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan of the safety of their continued stay in the country.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reacted with restraint to these assurances. “The Taliban must decide whether they will make peace or continue to treat the Afghan people as enemies,” he said, blaming the Taliban for the conflict. Meanwhile, over the past 24 hours, the Taliban captured more areas of the provinces of Takhar and Faryab.
