Behind enemy lines with the Taliban of Helmand

When Zahir Jan set out on the journey from his home in Helmand to the neighbouring province of Kandahar, he knew there was a good chance he might not finish it.

"It's not easy being in the Taliban these days," he said. "At every checkpoint on the way here the police and army asked us for bribes. They said if we didn't pay them they would hand us over to the foreigners."

The 20-year-old had just travelled through an area Tony Blair describes as the key to world security. It was guarded by men who routinely blackmail anyone they don't like the look of.

Zahir was an obvious target because he is one of the many Afghans who have chosen to fight against the British and their allies in the local government.

Peace only exists for him back in the district of Garmser. The Taliban rule the region around his home there and, if he is to be believed, they will control many more places before the summer is out.

"We are very strong. We have lots of soldiers and very modern guns," Zahir said. "Let me tell you, in all of Helmand there are maybe 100 people working with the government. The rest of the men are with the Taliban. I can assure you that in every house five men are now with the Taliban. There are not any Sindhis, Punjabis, Arabs or Chechens with us. We are all local people, and we are very strong.

"Everyone has picked up a gun. What else can we do? We cannot bear it any more. When the foreigners first came we thought maybe they wanted to build the country, but what have they done in the last five years? They have done nothing so we have to stand against them. They have killed innocent people, occupied the country and now jihad is demanded of us."

Zahir met The Independent on Sunday with two other Talibs from Helmand. A third party closely linked to the militants arranged the interview, which took place at a secure location inside Kandahar city one morning earlier this month.

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