Former Afghan Army General Sami Sadat Launches Armed Campaign Against TalibanEx-Afghan Army commander Sami Sadat announces phased military operations against the Taliban. Says negotiations with the Taliban have failed, leaving armed resistance as the only option. Former Afghan National Army Lieutenant General Sami Sadat has announced the launch of a coordinated armed campaign against the Taliban under the banner of the Afghanistan United Front (AUF), declaring the beginning of what he described as a nationwide effort to restore constitutional rule in Afghanistan. According to Sadat, the first phase of the campaign will focus on Taliban fighters, military installations and senior leadership. He also declared that the Afghanistan United Front considers itself the legitimate continuation of the former Afghan National Army.