Local sources have reported clashes between two factions of the Taliban over control of the Shewa gold mine in the Andarabi area of Arghanj Khwah district in Badakhshan.
According to the sources, the clash began before noon on Sunday, 12 Mizan, between forces under the command of Dr. Fazlullah, a Badakhshan-based Taliban commander, and a number of non-Badakhshani Taliban members. Sources said that Dr. Fazlullah’s forces, with the support of some local residents, disarmed five members of the opposing group.
Following the brief clash, tensions escalated in the area, and fresh forces were dispatched from the Arghanj Khwah district centre to the site.
A local resident also said in a video message that a father and his son were wounded during the incident. This claim has not yet been independently verified.
Disputes over the extraction of gold from the Shewa mine, particularly in the Andarabi area, have persisted between local residents and the Taliban for some time. Residents of the area have called for companies linked to the Taliban and individuals affiliated with the group to be removed from the mining operations.
Sources say the Taliban administration in Badakhshan has barred some local residents from mining because they lack permits. According to the sources, the move has intensified disputes over the mines and has even contributed to tensions between Badakhshani and non-Badakhshani Taliban members.
Dr. Fazlullah is a Badakhshani Taliban commander who currently holds no official position within the Taliban’s governing structure. However, sources say that parts of the Shewa gold mine are under his control and that mining operations in the area continue under his supervision.
The incident comes two days after clashes between Taliban members over control of mines in Yamgan district of Badakhshan. One person was reportedly wounded in that incident as well.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
