Only Way To Counter Misogynist Taliban is Through Military Means, Says NRF Leader

Ahmad Massoud, leader of National Resistance Front (NRF), highlighted "gender apartheid" in Afghanistan during a meeting in London and said that the only solution to counter the Taliban is through military means aimed at dismantling the group.

He also announced the expansion of the NRF’s operations and activities in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, a commemoration was held in London to mark the first anniversary of the death of Khair Mohammad Khairkhah Andrabi, a commander of the National Resistance Front in Afghanistan. Andrabi, along with some of his forces, lost their lives in December 2022 during a battle with the Taliban in Andrab.

Participating in the online event on Sunday, Massoud urged for collective and united efforts of anti-Taliban fronts.

He stressed on the importance of unity to overcome "the evil of the Taliban and the oppression and tyranny of this group”.

He referred to the deplorable situation of women under the Taliban regime and said that he has raised the issue of gender apartheid with international legal and judicial authorities.

Massoud also mentioned the detention of women by the Taliban and called it unprecedented in the history of Afghanistan.

The NRF leader further stated that the international community, by refusing to recognise the Taliban, anticipates that the Afghan people will resist the Taliban through various means.

He characterised the Taliban as an "extremist, terrorist, and tyrannical" group. He reiterated his call for the Taliban to accept a challenge through the elections, stating, "If the Taliban believe their will aligns with the will of the people, they should trust in the people's vote."

He also mentioned the difference of views among the opposition groups and fronts against the Taliban and said that the difference of views should not cause strategic differences and must not create rifts among the people.

According to him, the NRF's activities against the Taliban are growing, and he urged other anti-Taliban groups to broaden their efforts too.

During this meeting, two other prominent figures also spoke. Yunus Qanooni, the former vice-president, expressed that the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan is not the solution; instead, there should be a fundamental national change in the country's situation.

He described Afghanistan as a haven for terrorist groups.

Additionally, Atta Mohammad Noor, a member of the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, called for the inclusion of political factions and women's representatives in the United Nations meeting in Doha.