The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- A new anti-Taliban armed group called the Afghanistan Republican Front (ARF) has reportedly emerged, claiming responsibility for 22 attacks against Taliban targets since announcing its formation in November 2025.
- The group may be largely drawn from the Hazara community, based on the geography of its claimed attacks and its statements in support of Shias, though this is not conclusively proven.
- Reports, including from Afghanistan International and Kabul Now, have identified Tahir Zuhair, a former Bamyan governor and minister, as its leader, but neither the group nor independent sources have confirmed his current role.
- Many of the group's claims are unverified, coming mainly through a Facebook page, and the group says it wants to restore democracy and the former republic's constitution.
What to watch next
- Independent verification or denial of the ARF's claimed attacks and its Facebook-posted videos
- Confirmation or denial of Tahir Zuhair's leadership role in the group
- Whether Taliban restrictions on Shia religious activities and limited Hazara representation prompt further organised armed resistance
Coverage1
1 report
Indian-language1
All filed from India
Named Afghanistan · Taliban · Afghanistan Freedom Front · Afghanistan International · Afghanistan Republican Front · Afghanistan United Front · Ahmad Massoud · Kabul Now · Mehdi Mujahid · National Resistance Front · Sami Sadat · Tahir Zuhair · Yasin Zia
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