Sources affiliated with the United Front led by Sami Sadat, the former commander of Afghanistan’s Special Operations Forces, have told media outlets that the group has begun its armed activities from Kandahar province. According to these sources, the front’s first operation was carried out along the route between Kandahar and Spin Boldak.
The United Front claims that on 8 Asad (July 30), its forces targeted Taliban fighters on the Kandahar–Spin Boldak route. A video allegedly showing the attack has also circulated on social media, in which the body of an individual can be seen in a desert-like area. However, the authenticity of the video and the details of the reported incident have not been independently verified.
The Taliban had not commented on the claim at the time of publication, and no official response from the group has been issued.
Sami Sadat was one of the senior commanders of the Afghan military during the former republican government and most recently served as commander of the 215th Maiwand Corps in Helmand province.
The United Front of Afghanistan, led by Sami Sadat, was established in the United States in Mizan 1402 (September–October 2023) and had, until now, focused primarily on political activities. The reported attack is the first instance in which sources affiliated with the group have claimed responsibility for an armed operation against the Taliban.
The development comes as Taliban rule in Afghanistan enters its fifth year. At the same time, several anti-Taliban fronts have reported increased military activity in recent weeks. About two weeks ago, a group calling itself the “Homeland Army” claimed to have briefly taken control of Yaftal-e Payin district in Badakhshan province from the Taliban. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Freedom Front has also reported direct clashes with Taliban forces in Zebak district of Badakhshan province.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
