The pages of history consistently show that when a group sells its faith and homeland for material gain, it ultimately falls into the embrace of the very force it once claimed to oppose. A number of armed Arbaki members, security district commanders, and other military personnel from the former republican regime, who once misled ordinary young people with false and imaginary slogans against the military regime and favored the continuation of war within the country, have now themselves taken up arms under the umbrella of that same regime for the purpose of undermining their own country.
During their time in power, these individuals promoted slogans suggesting that they stood firmly against the enemies of the nation. However, when their personal and financial interests came under threat, they demonstrated that those slogans were merely tools for exploiting the emotions of young people and preserving their own positions. Their current arming, support, and financing through the ISI indicate that these elements are being used under the leadership of certain regional extremists and individuals described as collaborators solely to weaken Afghanistan and its government.
However, the scope of these Arbaki groups’ actions has not remained limited to Afghanistan. Their conduct has also reportedly affected the populations of the areas hosting them. According to local sources, large-scale demonstrations and sit-ins continued for a second day in Balochistan in protest against the actions of these gathered Arbaki groups, and protesters blocked the Quetta-Chaman highway. Demonstrators claim that these armed individuals assaulted women and children with rifle butts and behaved in a manner they describe as brutal and violent.
Not only have the Afghan government’s reported strikes against these areas, but also the recent public protests and road blockades, highlighted claims that these groups are stationed in locations such as Kuchlak, Gulistan, Qila Abdullah, Saranan, Gardi Jangal, and other areas of Balochistan. Protesters have further warned that if the military regime does not remove these Arbaki groups, they will also block additional highways leading to Pishin and Quetta. Such warnings are presented as evidence of public hostility and opposition toward these elements.
Meanwhile, the vigilance of the Afghan government and the response of Afghan forces, as demonstrated by reported operations against their centers in recent days, convey the message that no compromise will be made regarding Afghanistan’s security. According to this perspective, such plots will be neutralized at an early stage, and these instruments of intelligence-driven conflicts will once again face defeat and disgrace, caught between public opposition and the actions of Afghan forces.
