Former Afghan National Army lieutenant general Sami Sadat has announced the launch of coordinated armed operations against the Taliban under the banner of the Afghanistan United Front (AUF).
Appearing in military uniform beneath the former Afghan Republic’s tricolour flag, Sadat declared that the AUF had authorised a phased nationwide campaign to restore constitutional rule in Afghanistan, according to media reports.
He said the first phase would target Taliban fighters, military facilities and senior commanders. Subsequently, the campaign would expand to additional operations across the country.
Moreover, Sadat stated that military action would proceed alongside political, diplomatic and public mobilisation efforts aimed at building support for the movement.
According to him, repeated appeals by Afghan citizens and civil society over the past five years have failed to attract an effective international response. Therefore, he argued that armed resistance has become the only remaining option after negotiations with the Taliban produced no results.
Furthermore, Sadat accused the Taliban of widespread repression, intimidation and systematic human rights violations. He also claimed the country has become a safe haven for Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant organisations.
In addition, he alleged that Afghanistan’s natural resources are being exploited to strengthen and finance these groups.
Sadat called on former members of the Afghan National Security and Defence Forces, political leaders and Afghans at home and abroad to unite under the republic’s tricolour flag and support the AUF.
However, he clarified that the movement is not seeking foreign troops or overseas military bases. Instead, he appealed for political and material assistance from the international community.
He also pledged that Afghan fighters would confront the Taliban and other militant groups while respecting international humanitarian law and protecting civilians.
Finally, Sadat described the AUF as the legitimate successor to the former Afghan National Army. He said its ultimate objective is to restore an independent and constitutional Afghanistan through the 2004 Constitution and the will of the Afghan people expressed in a Loya Jirga.
