On 12 June 1997, Taliban forces advanced north of Kabul and captured the strategic city of Charikar. The takeover tightened Taliban control across Parwan Province. Charikar’s location made it a key route for movements toward the Panjshir Valley, a stronghold of anti-Taliban resistance. The event heightened pressure on Northern Alliance commanders defending the valley. It also marked one of several rapid gains by the Taliban during that summer.
