General Yasin Zia, leader of the Freedom Front of Afghanistan, says the group’s struggle is aimed at returning political power to the Afghan people rather than securing power for itself.
In a statement, Zia said the opposition is fighting on behalf of all Afghans and wants the people to determine their country’s political future.
Zia also rejected claims that the Taliban brought peace to Afghanistan following their return to power in 2021. He argued that the reduction in certain types of violence should not be attributed solely to the Taliban.
According to Zia, opposition forces are not carrying out attacks against marketplaces, civilian areas, hospitals and hotels. He contrasted this with what he described as attacks previously carried out by the Taliban, Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
His remarks come amid continuing political tensions between the Taliban authorities and Afghan opposition groups. Opposition leaders have repeatedly criticized the Taliban’s system of governance and called for a political arrangement that gives Afghans a greater role in determining their future.
The Taliban, meanwhile, maintain that their return to power ended years of widespread conflict and brought greater security to the country. Taliban officials have repeatedly rejected accusations that their government is responsible for violence against civilians.
Zia’s comments underline the ongoing dispute over Afghanistan’s security situation and the question of who should hold political power in the country.