Reliable sources say the ongoing fighting between the Taliban and supporters of Jumma Khan Fateh, a dissident Taliban commander, in Badakhshan’s Nusay district began three days ago on the orders of Tajmir Jawad, the Taliban’s deputy intelligence chief.
According to the sources, a special Taliban intelligence unit launched an attack on Jumma Khan Fateh’s forces last Tuesday under the direct orders of Tajmir Jawad.
The sources say the special unit had been tasked with disarming local Taliban forces in Darwaz, Nusay, and several other areas. However, the move was met with resistance from Fateh’s forces and a number of local Taliban fighters, resulting in clashes that began on the evening of Tuesday, 20 Asad, and have continued since.
In addition to Nusay district, reports indicate growing insecurity and increased activity by armed groups opposed to the Taliban in several other parts of Badakhshan.
Habib-ur-Rahman Mansour, who had been appointed by the Taliban as the mayor of Faizabad, was killed on Thursday, 22 Asad, in an attack by forces affiliated with the National Resistance Front. He is the second Taliban official to have been killed in Faizabad in recent days.
Sources also say that members affiliated with the Freedom Front are present near Zebak district and that their activities in the area have increased.
Some sources have expressed concern that if the ongoing clashes are not brought under control, the conflict and insecurity could spread to other districts of Badakhshan. Local sources had previously reported heavy fighting between forces affiliated with Jumma Khan Fateh and the Taliban in the areas of Khoghez, Dawabagi, Khanis, and Il-Rama in Nusay district.
Jumma Khan Fateh, who is at odds with the Taliban, called on his supporters and the public to begin armed resistance against the Taliban in an audio message issued on Wednesday, 21 Asad, a copy of which was obtained by the media.
According to sources, both sides are using light and heavy weapons in the clashes, which have spread to several areas of Nusay district.
Sources report casualties on both sides, but have not provided an exact figure for those killed or wounded.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged alleging that forces loyal to Jumma Khan Fateh shot down a Taliban helicopter. The Taliban, however, said one of their helicopters in Badakhshan was damaged after colliding with an electricity pole.
According to reports, Taliban helicopters were deployed to the area to evacuate their dead and wounded. Sources say the bodies of several members of the Taliban’s special unit remain at the site. The Taliban have yet to issue official or detailed information regarding the claim.
Following the escalation of the fighting, the Taliban leadership has deployed thousands of fighters from several provinces to Badakhshan.
According to the sources, the purpose of the deployment is to suppress supporters of Jumma Khan Fateh and disarm local Taliban forces that are at odds with their leadership.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
