Herat is one of Afghanistan’s western provinces and is counted as one of the largest and most important states. The provincial capital is Herat city, which is considered as one of the largest main 5 cities in Afghanistan and is a famous spot both regionally and globally.
This province has borders with neighboring countries of Iran and Turkmenistan and as such is important historically, geopolitically and is a significant commercial crossing point.
As a historical region, Herat city has always held an important role in shaping Afghanistan’s political theater. This city saw one the first and most comprehensive popular uprising’s against the communist regime hence it came under their wrath which turned the province into a strong jihadic front, witnessing some of the fiercest battles take place for 14 years against the Russian occupation and the ruling communist party.
After USA’s illegal attack on Afghanistan, the people of Herat once again became amongst the first to start popular resistance and jihad against the invading forces. This resistance was initially only limited to some rural areas, but soon gained momentum and spread to nearly all the districts and regions in the province.
At this moment, Mujahideen of Islamic Emirate are operating in 15 districts of the province and have managed to clean many of the rural areas completely from the enemy menace. The northern districts of Herat, for example Rabat-e-Sangi, Kushk-e-Kohna and Tor Ghondi are completely under the control of Mujahideen. Due to this, the enemy supply line of Herat city-Tor Ghondi is under the watchful eyes of Mujahideen which has resulted in the diminished use by the enemy supply convoys because of constant attacks.
Other districts like Pashtoon Zarghoon, Gazra, Awba, Shindand, Anjeel and Ard-e-Sang which were previously strong forts of Mujahideen, are still under the influence of Mujahideen, who control large swatches of territory.
The enemy, taking advantage of the harsh winter, carried out operations in Pashton Zarghoon and Awba districts to extent its control over the region and weaken the strength of Mujahideen but retreated after a couple of days following the loss precious lives and material from the lethal Mujahideen blows, who on the other hand, did not sustain any significant damages or losses.
Nearly all the roads, stretching across Herat, pass through Mujahideen control territories. Herat-Shindand main highway, which is the lifeline of enemy, is often closed by Mujahideen, forcing the enemy to use its airpower to escort its supply convoys so to replenish its airbase. Similarly, the enemy cannot re-supply its forces in many of the districts through land and Herat-Badghis highway, which passes through Band-e-Sabzak is no different due to Mujahideen setting up ambushes at crucial junctures.
Another reality which is ignored by the mass media is that the common border between Herat and Turkmenistan has been subject to the control of Mujahideen for a long time after the enemy forces abandoned and fled from the border check posts as a result of successive Mujahideen attacks.
Mujahideen have also recently stepped up their attacks in Herat city where they have assassinated many important enemy figures and have carried out a number of successful martyrdom attacks.
Mujahideen officials have also been carrying out civil matters alongside with military as is happening in the rest of the country. Mujahideen have set up military commission and a council for scholars at a provincial level besides setting up judicial courts at district level. The people, who have lost confidence in the court system of the stooge regime due to corruption and bribery, have warmly embraced and welcomed this move.
_____