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22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
A Nation in Limbo

On June 8, 2021, the pro-government militia "Rise" was engaged in active defense against Taliban forces in Achin, Nangarhar Province. Following an assault by Taliban snipers, the militia's soldiers readied their mortars to launch a counterattack. This incident underscores the ongoing conflict in the region, where pro-government forces face persistent threats from Taliban fighters. The situation reflects a broader trend of increased resistance from former Afghan military factions against the Taliban's advances. As clashes continue, the dynamics of power and control in Afghanistan remain highly contested.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Achin, Afghanistan
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Christian Werner