Local sources in Badakhshan province say that the Taliban intelligence forces have arrested a man named Musa Kaka, the brother of Juma Khan Fateh, the Taliban deputy governor in Zabul, following disputes related to gold mining extraction.
According to the sources, after the arrest, individuals affiliated with him dispersed in parts of Darwaz district, and the situation in some areas has reportedly become unstable. Sources added that concerns about the spread of tensions in the province have increased.
Reports also indicate that a number of local Taliban forces, who are said to have ties with the circle of the Taliban deputy governor in Zabul, are on alert in the districts of Nesi and Maymay. Local sources warn that clashes between different Taliban factions in these areas are possible.
Alongside these developments, some sources say that several local armed Taliban members in Badakhshan have retreated to mountainous areas, with their number estimated between 200 and 300 fighters.
So far, the Taliban have not issued any official statement regarding these events. This comes as previous reports had also pointed to growing disputes over gold mines in Shaki district.
Based on these reports, Ismail Ghaznawi, the Taliban governor of Badakhshan, had traveled to the area to contain the tensions, but his efforts reportedly failed to produce results. Local residents claim that some individuals affiliated with Juma Khan Fateh have seized disputed lands containing gold resources.
Residents emphasize that until the lands are returned to their previous status and mining equipment is removed from the area, they will not accept the current situation.
During the recent clashes between local residents and armed Taliban members over these mines, it is reported that two people were killed and around 10 others were injured.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
