At the same time as reports emerge of growing internal divisions within the Taliban, local sources in Badakhshan province report an increase in military activity by Juma Khan Fatah, one of the group’s influential commanders.
At least four informed sources told media on Friday, 5 Saratan, that following recent tensions over the disarmament of mine guards, Juma Khan Fatah has expanded his field presence in the Darvaz region and placed his forces on high alert.
According to the sources, these developments intensified after Taliban Ministry of Defense forces deployed to Badakhshan about a month earlier to implement a campaign to destroy poppy cultivation attempted to disarm mine guards and subsequently move toward the Darvaz districts. The sources say this move led to escalating disagreements between local commanders and the Taliban leadership.
The sources further stated that Juma Khan Fatah, after returning to his hometown, has increased his presence in the Nusay district and in recent days has met with tribal elders, local commanders, and a number of residents. According to these sources, these meetings are aimed at maintaining the cohesion of forces loyal to him and strengthening his position in Badakhshan.
Sources close to Juma Khan Fatah claim that in recent weeks, some individuals affiliated with the Taliban leadership have attempted to reintegrate him into the group’s structure, but that he has rejected these proposals.
Two sources who say they recently met with him stated that in response to such proposals, he said: “I am in my own home; I do not want a position, I will stay here. I will not fire the first shot.”
According to these sources, although Juma Khan Fatah has not ordered the initiation of any conflict, he has kept his forces in a state of full operational, logistical, and military readiness. The sources also claim that he considers Badakhshan’s mountainous terrain a major obstacle to any large-scale Taliban operation against his forces.
Juma Khan Fatah, known among his supporters as the “Conqueror of Darvaz,” previously served as deputy governor under the Taliban in Zabul province. According to sources, he was removed from his position following escalating disagreements with the Taliban leadership, particularly over the management of gold mines and the administration of local resources in Badakhshan.
Informed sources further state that his dismissal without reassignment has deepened divisions between parts of the non-Pashtun Taliban commanders and the group’s central leadership in Kandahar. According to these sources, his return to Badakhshan and reorganization of his forces could influence security dynamics in northeastern Afghanistan.
In recent weeks, there have also been reports of growing dissatisfaction among some non-Pashtun Taliban commanders regarding the centralization of power, decision-making processes, and the distribution of resources and positions within the group’s leadership. Some observers view the timing of these reports alongside Juma Khan Fatah’s recent movements as an indication of deepening internal divisions within the Taliban.
The Taliban have not yet issued an official response to these reports, including claims regarding the increased military activity of Juma Khan Fatah, his alleged rejection of reintegration proposals, and the status of his forces in Badakhshan.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
