“Local sources in the northern Afghan province of Baghlan on Saturday said that public uprising forces had retaken three districts from Taliban control. The districts are Pul-e-Hesar, Banu and Deh Salah,” reports TOLO News. “Sources said there are reports of heavy casualties on both sides. This is the first instance of such fighting after the Taliban took control of Kabul following the fall of 33 out of 34 provinces.”

“’With the support of God and the mujahideen, three districts were liberated, we are now moving toward Khinjan district and will clear Baghlan province soon,’ said Assadullah, the former police chief of Banu.”

“’With the help of Allah, we inflicted massive casualties to the Taliban, currently Banu district is under the control of public uprising forces,’ said Ghani Andarabi, the former police commander in charge of the highway in Baghlan.”

“Sources said that after entering Baghlan the Taliban went on house-to-house searches, which sparked the people’s retaliation. Although the Taliban officially has not commented, there are unconfirmed reports that the Taliban is preparing to retake these districts.”

“Mujahideen” is an Arabic word meaning “those engaged in Jihad”, and the use of that term is likely to spark concern in Western political circles as there are numerous Mujahideen groups in the Middle East, and at this point there doesn’t appear to be any reporting on exactly which Mujahideen sect is engaged in the fighting. It is encouraging that two of the individuals quoted are US trained former police chiefs, and Americans should hope that the Mujahideen forces being referred to are comprised of former Afghan police and military members.