Massoud's Last Stand
Taliban announces victory over Panjshir, but resistance disputes claims
When the Taliban took power in 1996, Ahmad Shah Massoud led the resistance in the Panjshir Valley - a mantle passed to his son after his death. With striking parallels with current events, this 1996 report revisits Massoud's resistance.
Ahmad Shah Massoud led forces against the Taliban in the Panjshir valley when they first took power in 1996. He was responsible, too, for the wellbeing of thousands of refugees in the valley. 'The people are suffering a great deal. They need to be listened to', says Massoud. The valley was formerly a stronghold against Soviet occupation. 'We've defended these narrow roads before against the Russians. And with the help of God, we'll defend them again', says one military commander. Many of those who fled to Panjshir escaped Northern Afghanistan, fearing revenge from the Taliban following their initial defeat. 'They said they wouldn't even spare babies in their cribs. That's why we escaped', says one refugee.
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