KABUL: The leader of anti-Taliban forces in Panjshir Valley has called for a “national uprising” against the Taliban.

Releasing an audio file to the media on Monday, Ahmad Massoud made the call stating the National Resistance Front (NRF) forces are present in strategic areas of the valley and that they will continue the battle against the Taliban and their partners.

Massoud lashed out at the Taliban for violating human rights and targeting the women and children of Panjshir, calling on the international community to take action against what he described as a horrifying tragedy against humanity in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Massoud also blamed the international community for “providing the Taliban with the ruinous opportunity that helped them gain political legitimacy and entitlement,” and said the people of Afghanistan would bear witness to see who stands in solidarity with them.

Panjshir has been the only region to hold out against the Taliban following their takeover of Afghanistan in mid-August.

Ahmad Massoud, the son of the late anti-Soviet forces Ahmad Shah Massoud, has established himself in Panjshir Valley, leading a several-thousand-strong force comprised of militias and remnants of the Afghan army and special forces units who are opposed to the Taliban.

Massoud’s audio message came following claims by the Taliban to have captured the strategic area.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s chief spokesman, claimed the group’s victory in capturing Panjshir Province earlier in the day, warning against any further attempts to rise up against their rule.

“With this victory, our country is completely taken out of the quagmire of war,” Mujahid said at a press conference in Kabul. “Anyone who tries to start an insurgency will be hit hard. We will not allow another.”

The Taliban also published a video of their flag being raised over the governor’s house in Panjshir.

Taliban provincial governor vows to fight Daesh

In another development on Monday, a Taliban commander, who took over as governor of Nangarhar Province after the group’s takeover of the country, vowed to continue fighting against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Afghanistan.

Mullah Neda Mohammad said Daesh has been responsible for many of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan in recent years, massacring civilians at mosques, shrines, public squares and even hospitals.

The Takfiri terrorist group claimed responsibility for a devastating suicide bombing near Kabul airport on August 26 that killed more than 100 Afghans, including 13 US soldiers.

(With inputs from Agencies)