COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: June 2026
This profile concerns the situation of individuals perceived as members or supporters of resistance groups, in particular the NRF (National Resistance Front) and the AFF (Afghanistan Freedom Front).
With reference to the role of armed resistance groups as potential actors of persecution or serious harm, see 2.2. Resistance groups opposing the Taliban.
The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI products: Country Focus 2026, 2.1., 2.3., 4.1.2., 4.1.3., 4.3.1.; Country Focus 2024, 4.1.3., 4.3.1.; Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.
Since the takeover, the de facto government has faced armed opposition from resistance groups aligned with the former government, primarily the NRF and the AFF. The Taliban have responded with force, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the takeover and especially in areas with a history of armed resistance, most notably Panjshir province, as well as the provinces of Baghlan, Takhar, and Daykundi. Although the de facto authorities’ ill-treatment of civilians in these areas has decreased over time, the targeting of individuals suspected of affiliation with resistance groups has continued.
Step 1: Do the reported acts amount to persecution?
Acts to which individuals perceived as members or supporters of resistance groups could be exposed are of a such severe nature that they would amount to persecution. More specifically, civilians accused of cooperating with military and political opponents, including the NRF and the AFF, have reportedly been killed, often by the Taliban. Arrests of former government affiliates on allegations of links to the NRF have been documented in particular in Panjshir and Kabul. A local source identified ‘anyone accused of cooperating with anti-Taliban groups’ as one of the primary targets of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and torture. Reports also indicate that individuals from Panjshir have been targeted on the basis of their geographical origin and a suspected affiliation with anti-Taliban groups. In addition, civilians in Panjshir province have reportedly been assaulted and beaten by the de facto authorities following clashes with the NRF. Tajiks have been identified among the communities more vulnerable to violations following the takeover: Tajik men have been reportedly arrested on the basis of ‘blanket assumptions’ of affiliation with the NRF including in areas far from the group’s former strongholds. There are instances of collective punishments and other abuses against civilians suspected of supporting anti-Taliban groups. Allegations of ‘collaboration’ or ‘carrying weapons’ have been used to justify arrests of perceived opponents, including civil society activists, journalists, former government employees, and former security personnel, who have been disproportionately targeted as ‘potential resistance fighters’, regardless of actual involvement in hostilities.
See also 3.1. Members of the security institutions of the former government, 3.2. Public officials and servants of the former government and judicial system, 3.7. Critics of the Taliban including protesters, activists, human rights defenders, and human rights lawyers, 3.8. Journalists and other media workers.
Step 2: What is the level of risk of persecution?
A well-founded fear of persecution would in general be substantiated for individuals perceived by the Taliban as being involved with or as supporting resistance groups such as NRF and AFF in light of the widespread and persistent targeting of those ‘accused of cooperating with Anti-Taliban groups’.
In the case of a female applicant under this profile, it is reminded that in light of the current situation, a well-founded fear of persecution would in general be substantiated for Afghan women and girls.
For additional information, see 3.13. Women and girls
Step 3: Is there a ground for persecution?
Persecution of individuals under this profile is highly likely to be for reasons of political opinion as resistance groups such as NRF and AFF are considered as historical opponents by the de facto authorities.
Exclusion considerations could be relevant to this profile, as actual members or supporters of resistance groups may have been involved in excludable acts. See 7. Exclusion.