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Taliban Asks Militants To Stop Shooting Into Air After Celebratory Gunfire Kills Civilians

Taliban Asks Militants To Stop Shooting Into Air After Celebratory Gunfire Kills Civilians

More than a dozen people have died and 40 more have been injured by the celebrations.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

The Taliban has instructed fighters to end the celebratory practice of shooting guns into the air.

There are plenty of videos circulating the internet showing militants raising their impressive weaponry into the skies and unloading dozens of bullets.

However, there have been reports of civilians in Afghanistan being accidentally killed by the practice.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has taken to Twitter to tell the world: "Notable Mujahideen in Kabul and across the country: Avoid shooting in the air and thank Allah instead.

"Weapons and ammunition are in your hands, no one has the right to waste them. Cold bullets are more likely to harm civilians; so don't shoot unnecessarily."

Zabihullah Mujahid.
PA

Reuters reports there have been at least 17 people killed by accidental gunshots and as many as 40 have been left injured.

It comes after the Taliban announced it had taken control of Panjshir, which was the last province in the country that had resisted the incoming militant group.

It now means the Taliban controls every region in Afghanistan and they were waiting for this moment before officially forming a government.

Located north of Kabul in the Hindu Kush, the Panjshir valley has long been a place that has resisted outsider rule.

They staunchly defended themselves against the influence of the Soviets in the 1980s as well as the Taliban in the '90s.

Both sides tried to mount an amicable peace agreement, however when that failed, fighting broke out all across the region.

The Taliban has now raised their flag over the governor's office and declared on social media: "By the grace of Allah Almighty, we are in control of the entire Afghanistan. The troublemakers have been defeated and Panjshir is now under our command."

PA

However, the National Resistance Front, who leads the fight against the Taliban, insists the fight isn't over.

One fighter told the ABC: "Panjshir is not defeated. Thousands of resistance fighters are present in safe places in the mountains of Panjshir.

"Guerrilla warfare begins in Panjshir today and the Taliban will surely be driven out of Panjshir."

Resistance leader Ahmad Massoud added: "Wherever you are, whether inside the country or outside, we appeal to you to rise up in resistance for the dignity, integrity and freedom of our country.

"For those who want to take up arms, we are with you. For those who will resort to protests, we will stand with you, will join you and declare our support with your struggle.

"For saving our motherland, we are ready to remain with you until the last moment."

Featured Image Credit: PA