Clashes Reported Between Taliban Forces and Supporters of Dissident Commander Juma Khan Fateh in Badakhshan’s Nusay District.
Clashes broke out Tuesday evening in Nusay district of Badakhshan province between Taliban forces and individuals affiliated with Juma Khan Fateh, a dissident Taliban commander. According to reports, the fighting took place in the Shakh Dara and Khogoz areas of the district, where forces loyal to Fateh were reportedly present.
In an audio recording obtained by media outlets from Nusay district on Wednesday, August 12, a Fateh-affiliated fighter asks him about the start of the clashes. Fateh responds: “There is fighting at the moment. Tell the comrades that if they have a plan, they should start.”
In another audio recording, he again calls for armed action, saying: “Convey my greetings to all the people. Let the people begin. What else will they do if they do not start?” Further details about the orders he allegedly issued have not been made available.
In a separate video obtained by Afghanistan International from the valley, the sound of gunfire can be heard. However, no independent information has emerged regarding the intensity of the clashes, possible casualties, or the extent of damage.
The exact cause of the fighting has not yet been independently confirmed. Some sources said Taliban forces had gone to the Shakh Dara and Khogoz areas to collect weapons, following which clashes broke out between the two sides.
As of the publication of this report, neither the Taliban nor Juma Khan Fateh has officially or independently provided details about the cause of the clashes, possible casualties, or the current situation in Nusay district.
writer:Salima Aryaei
