By Our Correspondent 

KABUL - Nearly five years after the fall of Kabul, a former senior commander of the Afghan National Army has resurfaced in a dramatic video statement, declaring the commencement of armed operations against the Taliban regime and calling for a unified struggle to restore constitutional order in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant General Sami Sadat, chairman of the Afghanistan United Front (AUF) and former Commanding General of the Afghan National Special Operations Corps, appeared in the uniform of the Afghan National Army with the tricolor flag of the Republic, issuing his first public statement since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021.

In his address, General Sadat declared that "after four years, 11 months, and 15 days of the Talibanic occupation," he stands before the world wearing the Afghan army uniform, representing "the warrior spirit of our national security and defense forces" and "the indomitable spirit of Afghanistan."

He announced that at 05:00 local time in Kabul, he authorized members of the Afghanistan United Front to "begin combat operations against the Taliban," adding that operations would progress through multiple phases, combined with political, diplomatic, and civil efforts, ultimately culminating in "the freedom of Afghanistan."

The declaration follows the AUF's first claimed military operation against the Taliban, which reportedly took place on July 30 along the Kandahar–Spin Boldak route -- a strategic highway in the Taliban's spiritual homeland. The group posted images on social media appearing to show two dead Taliban fighters, though the Taliban have not commented on the claim.

- 'Negotiations have failed'

General Sadat delivered a stark assessment of the past five years, stating that "the cries of our nation, led by our civil society, fell on deaf ears of the international community." He described systematic abuses under Taliban rule, saying, "Every day, Taliban invent a new method to harass, degrade, arrest, and kill Afghan people."

He declared unequivocally that the idea of a negotiated settlement with the Taliban "has failed," and that "the process of negotiation must be stopped once and for all and recognized as a failed venture."

"By now, it's clear that the idea of a negotiated settlement with the Taliban has failed," Sadat stated. "Our war is for freedom. Afghans are freedom-loving people."

The general painted a grim picture of Afghanistan under Taliban rule, citing "unspeakable human rights abuses," the return of "international terrorism alongside the ranks of the Taliban," and the looting of natural resources distributed to terrorist groups across the region.

- A new challenge to Taliban rule

General Sadat's emergence marks a significant development in Afghanistan's anti-Taliban resistance landscape. He is widely regarded as the most prominent commander leading opposition against the Taliban, a factor analysts believe could prove crucial in recruiting and operating in the country's north, south and southeast, where the Taliban have historically enjoyed their strongest support.

The Afghanistan United Front, established in the United States in October 2023, had previously focused largely on political activities. Sadat has been building relationships with American political circles since the fall of Kabul, testifying before Congress and touring the United States following the publication of his memoir, The Last Commander. The AUF is headquartered in Northern Virginia.

General Sadat's military credentials are formidable. He commanded the Afghan National Army's 215 Maiwand Corps in southwestern Afghanistan in 2020 and previously led the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he intensified counter-terrorism operations that made 2019 the worst year for the Taliban on the battlefield. He also served in Afghan intelligence, leading joint clandestine counter-terrorism activities with US forces, including operations that targeted Al-Qaeda leadership.

- Constitutional framework and vision

In his statement, Sadat emphasized that the AUF considers itself the "natural inheritor" of Afghanistan's 2004 Constitution, adopted by a Loya Jirga chaired by the late King Muhammad Zahir Shah. He described the constitution as "the most impactful law in our modern history" that "united our nation and helped develop Afghanistan from the ashes of civil war."

He outlined the AUF's legal basis under international law, citing Article 42 of the United Nations Charter, asserting that "we don't ask permission from any foreign government, and we will exercise our right and utilize every means available in our arsenal to ensure our freedom."

The general said the AUF's military combat directive would adhere to the constitution and international humanitarian law. He also promised that once Afghanistan is free, the AUF would organize a Loya Jirga to "hand over authority to our elder men and women who will choose policy and priorities for the new Afghan government."

- Call to neighbors and the international community

Addressing Afghanistan's neighbors, Sadat sought to reassure them of the AUF's intentions: "We mean no harm to any of our neighbors. In fact, we see our future with you. We want to grow with you." He distinguished the AUF from the Taliban, stating, "We are not against you. It's the Taliban that is against you."

He acknowledged that the Taliban "actively organize, direct, and support terror groups with malicious intent against our neighboring states and the rest of the world" -- a claim backed by recent reports that the Afghanistan Freedom Front has ambushed what it described as "foreign terrorists supporting the Taliban" in Badakhshan province.

To US and NATO veterans, Sadat expressed gratitude for their support during "these difficult times," saying, "We will never forget your support." While he clarified that the AUF does not want foreign soldiers or bases in Afghanistan, he called for political and material support, arguing that "it is a moral duty" of other countries to support the AUF as it takes on "not only the Taliban but also Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Tahrik-e- Taliban Pakistan, and many other terror organizations currently based in Afghanistan."

- A fragmented resistance landscape

General Sadat's entry into armed resistance comes amid increased activities by anti-Taliban fronts across multiple provinces. The Afghanistan Freedom Front has sustained operations in Badakhshan and recently attacked Kunduz Airport, while the newly formed Sipah-e Mihan group briefly seized control of Yaftal-e Payin district in Badakhshan in July.

Tensions have risen across Afghanistan, with local sources reporting that Taliban forces opened fire on protesters in Badakhshan after residents demonstrated against a body search of a woman by Taliban forces. The province has witnessed increased attacks by anti-Taliban groups, internal Taliban tensions, and activity by Islamic State Khorasan, which claimed responsibility for the killing of the Taliban's head of information and culture in Badakhshan.

Analysts note that while none of these groups currently pose an existential threat to Taliban rule, their ability to conduct increasingly coordinated attacks across geographically dispersed areas signals a persistent and evolving challenge to Taliban authority. However, for the anti-Taliban resistance to transform from a security nuisance into a credible military challenge, experts argue these groups will ultimately need to coordinate and unify their efforts.

- 'Freedom is on the horizon'

In his closing remarks, General Sadat addressed Afghans suffering under Taliban repression with a message of hope: "We heard your call. We're coming back for you, and we will fight in your name. Do not fear war; it's against the Taliban."

He urged citizens to "trust your warriors. Have faith on us, and have patience during this process. Freedom is in the horizon."

The Taliban have not officially responded to Sadat's video statement or the AUF's claimed operations in Kandahar. As the Taliban enters its fifth year of rule, the emergence of a prominent Pashtun-led armed resistance represents a significant development in Afghanistan's ongoing struggle for power -- and a stark reminder that the country's political future remains deeply contested.