Tribal elders and local residents in the provinces of Nuristan and Kunar have reported that Taliban forces have abandoned their border posts in two districts of Nuristan and one district of Kunar, leaving these positions vacant. These posts were located in the areas of Birekot in the Narai district of Kunar, and in the districts of Barg-e-Matal and Kamdesh in Nuristan.
Several tribal elders and residents from these areas said on Monday, the 17th of Hamal, that after recent clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces along the border, Taliban forces withdrew from the posts and have taken shelter in the mosques of local villages. According to them, the distance between the Taliban’s posts and the Pakistani forces in the Birekot area was very close.
A local influential figure in Kunar stated that when the attacks and clashes began in the Birekot area, the Taliban, along with the local residents, abandoned the area, leaving the posts without any forces. At the same time, reports have emerged indicating that thousands of families from Narai district in Kunar have fled to Asadabad, the provincial capital.
Residents of Nuristan have also confirmed that the communication routes between the Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts via Narai have been blocked, which has caused significant disruption in the movement of people and the transportation of food supplies. According to them, Pakistani forces are shooting at vehicles from higher ground, effectively closing the transportation routes.
Meanwhile, some tribal elders have accused the Taliban of being unable to maintain security and providing incorrect information. They claim that Taliban forces are using helicopters to travel to the district centers and are attempting to showcase their presence in the border regions.
The residents of Nuristan emphasize that for about a month now, the roads in the eastern parts of the province, especially in the Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts, have been closed due to clashes and attacks. This situation has led to a severe shortage of food supplies and is severely impacting the daily lives of the people.
According to local sources, the continued closure of the roads has caused many families’ food reserves to run out. Some residents have warned that if this situation persists, they may be forced to seek assistance from Pakistani forces to meet their needs.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Taliban governor in Nuristan had previously confirmed that Pakistani forces were attacking vehicles attempting to enter the Kamdesh and Barg-e-Matal districts, which is why these routes have been closed to traffic.
