Tajikistan's Alleged Involvement in the Panjshir Conflict Post-Fall of Kabul

In 2021, following the dramatic Fall of Kabul, Tajikistan's involvement in the Panjshir conflict became a focal point of regional dynamics in Central Asia. Allegedly siding with the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), Tajikistan's actions underscored its strategic interests in countering the Taliban's resurgence. The NRF, led by Ahmad Massoud, emerged as a key opposition force against the Taliban, seeking to maintain a foothold in Afghanistan's mountainous Panjshir Valley. Tajikistan, sharing a long border with Afghanistan, has historically been concerned about the implications of Taliban rule on its national security and the potential spillover of extremism. This involvement not only reflects Tajikistan's commitment to supporting anti-Taliban factions but also highlights the broader regional instability that has been exacerbated by the Taliban's return to power. The situation remains fluid, with Tajikistan navigating its foreign policy amidst complex geopolitical challenges in the region.