Local sources report that following recent clashes with the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) in Zibak District of Badakhshan Province, the Taliban mined the access routes leading to several of their checkpoints on Saturday, July 25. According to these sources, the measure was taken to prevent surprise attacks.
Sources stated that the landmines were laid along pathways leading to the checkpoints and in areas close to the front lines. They also claimed that a number of these mines were set up as booby traps designed to detonate if opposition forces approach.
According to local sources, the mining of these routes is part of the Taliban's security precautions following the recent clashes in Zibak District, where fighting between Taliban forces and the Afghanistan Freedom Front has persisted over the past few days.
The Afghanistan Freedom Front previously announced that it had captured several Taliban positions around the Zibak District border battalion. The front also claimed that 21 Taliban members, including several commanders, were killed and 37 others were wounded in the fighting.
The Taliban confirmed the outbreak of clashes in Zibak District, stating that five attacking fighters were killed. However, the group has not commented on the casualty figures reported by the Afghanistan Freedom Front.
The claims regarding the mining of routes leading to Taliban checkpoints have not been independently verified. Under the principles of international humanitarian law, the use of landmines if it endangers civilian lives or is conducted without proper marking can violate international obligations regarding the protection of civilians.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
