Clashes broke out on the evening of August 11 in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province, which borders Tajikistan, between Taliban forces and fighters linked to commander Juma Khan Fateh, Afghanistan International reported, citing informed sources.
According to the report, the fighting took place in the Shah-Dara and Hogz areas of Nusai district, where Taliban forces allegedly attacked men under Fateh’s command.
During the confrontation, a checkpoint near a Taliban administration building in Badakhshan reportedly came under rocket fire. Sources said two rockets were fired at the position, after which fighting intensified between Taliban forces and the attackers.
There has been no official information on casualties, injuries or the extent of the damage. Local sources cited by Afghanistan International, however, said both sides had suffered losses.
The cause of the clashes has also not been officially confirmed. Sources suggested that Taliban forces may have entered areas controlled by Fateh’s group in an attempt to collect weapons.
According to Afghanistan International, tensions in Badakhshan have been growing since the Taliban returned to power, as the movement’s central leadership has sought to reduce the influence of local Taliban figures by appointing officials close to Kandahar to key political, military and economic positions.
Control over gold mines and revenues from mineral extraction has reportedly become one of the main sources of tension. Local Taliban figures are said to view personnel changes, arrests of commanders and the transfer of control over mines to outsiders as attempts to weaken their influence.
Afghanistan International reported that tensions between Juma Khan Fateh and the Taliban leadership have intensified in recent months over mining activities. Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had previously ordered a halt to illegal mineral extraction, a move that sources said affected economic activities linked to Fateh.
Security in Badakhshan remains volatile. ISIS-Khorasan continues to carry out attacks against Taliban officials, while anti-Taliban armed groups are active in several districts.
Disputes over gold mining, the destruction of poppy fields and official appointments have previously triggered protests and armed confrontations in the province. Badakhshan also continues to face serious human rights concerns, including restrictions on women and girls and reported pressure on the Ismaili minority.
