According to credible sources, as attacks by armed groups opposed to the Taliban have intensified in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province, the Taliban are preparing for a large-scale military operation and have deployed additional forces to the province, including several senior commanders.
The sources said recent attacks and military movements by anti-Taliban groups have prompted the Taliban to strengthen their military readiness and prepare for a broad operation. They added that these developments have heightened concerns among Taliban officials, and the group may launch military operations in the near future.
According to the sources, the Taliban have in recent days sent additional reinforcements to Zebak District in Badakhshan and stationed them across various parts of the district. They have also established new security checkpoints in several areas, particularly in Yaftal, while security measures have been tightened throughout the province. The sources described the security situation in Badakhshan as “fragile.”
Earlier, a newly formed armed group calling itself Sepahiyan-e Mihan (Homeland Forces) claimed it had seized control of Yaftal-e Payin District in Badakhshan from the Taliban for several hours and disarmed Taliban fighters. Subsequently, the Freedom Front also claimed responsibility for attacks on Taliban positions in Zebak District. According to the sources, concerns over guerrilla attacks have led the Taliban to increase nighttime patrols and reinforce security measures across numerous areas.
The sources further said that Amanuddin Mansoor, the Taliban’s governor for Helmand Province, and Fasihuddin Fitrat, the group’s army chief of staff, are currently in Badakhshan. Amanuddin Mansoor also attended the funeral of Zabihullah Amiri, the Taliban’s director of Information and Culture in Badakhshan. Amiri, who was Mansoor’s nephew, was killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen on the Baharak–Faizabad highway. According to the sources, the failure to identify those responsible has further heightened the Taliban’s security concerns.
The sources also said that Juma Fateh, a dissident Taliban commander, has yet to withdraw his forces from their positions, while his brother continues to support opposition to the Taliban.
According to the sources, one of the Taliban’s primary concerns is the changing balance of power on the battlefield. They said Freedom Front fighters are positioned in Badakhshan’s mountainous مناطق with heavy weapons and military equipment, a development that has complicated the implementation of any potential Taliban offensive.
The developments come amid an increase in attacks by armed groups opposed to the Taliban, particularly the Freedom Front, in Badakhshan in recent weeks. The Freedom Front recently claimed it had captured several key Taliban positions in the mountainous areas of Zebak District and shot down two Taliban drones. Recent security incidents in Badakhshan and Sar-e Pol have also added to the Taliban’s growing security concerns.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
