Tensions have escalated in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province, where the Taliban is reportedly deploying additional forces and preparing a large-scale military operation against armed opposition groups. Local sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban had strengthened its presence in the districts of Zebak and Yaftal-e Payeen, also known as Yaftali Sufla.
Citing local sources, Afghanistan International reported on July 30 that Taliban intelligence forces have detained at least seven residents of Yaftal-e Payeen, also known as Yaftali Sufla, in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province on suspicion of cooperating with or possessing information about the Sepahiyan-e Mihan Front.
Residents said the Taliban tightened security and began searching homes after regaining control of the district.
According to local sources, Taliban intelligence forces have taken control of the district center and surrounding villages and are conducting house-to-house searches at night.
Residents said the large security presence and repeated searches had caused widespread harassment and disrupted daily life.
Informed sources reportedly said on July 30 that the seven residents were detained on July 28 and 29. They were reportedly transferred to Faizabad and are being held at the provincial intelligence directorate’s detention center.
Opposition fighters briefly seized Yaftal district center
The recently formed Sepahiyan-e Mihan Front briefly seized the Yaftal district center on July 17.
The group disarmed Taliban forces, took control of the district administration building and raised its flag before withdrawing several hours later.
Checkpoint attacked in Faizabad
According to Afghanistan International, local sources also reported that a Taliban checkpoint opposite Badakhshan University in Faizabad was targeted in a rocket attack on the night of July 29.
No group has claimed responsibility, and Taliban officials have not commented on either the attack or the reported detentions in Yaftal-e Payeen.
Sources in Zebak district said scattered clashes between Taliban forces and the Afghanistan Freedom Front were continuing and that the Taliban had deployed additional troops to the area, according to Afghanistan International .
On July 29, informed sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban was preparing a military operation against opposition groups in Badakhshan.
Senior Taliban officials reportedly in Badakhshan
The situation became more tense following the killing of Zabihullah Amiri, head of Badakhshan’s Information and Culture Department.
Amiri was killed in an armed attack on the Baharak–Faizabad road on July 29. According to sources, the Taliban’s failure to quickly identify those responsible increased concern among the movement’s leadership.
Taliban army chief Fasihuddin Fitrat and Helmand Governor Amanuddin Mansour are reportedly in Badakhshan in connection with preparations for the planned operation.
Sources said opposition forces were based in remote mountainous areas and possessed heavy weapons, factors that could complicate any Taliban offensive.
