Methodology

This map is a district-level assessment of the resistance to the Taliban in Afghanistan. The assessment began in July 2022. The map is updated as new information is obtained.

Assessing the status of Afghanistan’s districts is extremely difficult, especially since the collapse of the Afghan government. It is far more difficult to obtain and corroborate information without a vibrant, independent press to verify claims by the Taliban and resistance groups.

This map attempts to assess the following: Taliban-controlled districts, contested districts, districts with significant guerrilla activity, and resistance-controlled districts.

A "Controlled" district is defined as a district where either the Taliban or the resistance administers, controls the district center, and exerts security.

A "Contested" district is one where the resistance may have established bases or controls villages, valleys, or significant areas that are used to launch attacks against the Taliban.

A district with Guerrilla Activity is defined as a district where the resistance is able to attack Taliban forces but does not contest territory.

Sources may include, but are not limited to, resistance claims of attack, Taliban statements, news reports, and confidential sources.