Jumah Fateh, a Tajik commander of the Taliban in the Darwaz district of Badakhshan, is considered one of the well-known figures within the group’s military structure. He joined the Taliban approximately 15 years ago and participated in military operations alongside the group during the years of conflict against the former Afghan government. However, recent developments in Badakhshan indicate that he is no longer complying with certain orders from senior Taliban leadership, and the group’s central command has described him as a “rebel” and is seeking to contain or suppress him.
According to published information, about one year prior to the fall of Kabul, Jumah Fateh strengthened his military position in the Darwaz area by conducting attacks in strategic locations in Badakhshan and seizing some weapons depots left over from previous administrations. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, he was appointed as the district governor (Woleswal) of Nusay. Over the past four years, he has expanded his political, military, and economic influence in the region. His supporters refer to him as the “Conqueror of Darwaz” and the “General Emir of Darwaz,” a development that has raised concerns among Taliban officials.
Reports suggest that his growing power and increasing autonomy in Badakhshan have gradually alarmed the Taliban leadership. According to these accounts, approximately five months ago, he was appointed as deputy governor of Zabul by the central leadership in an apparent attempt to reduce his influence. He arrived in Zabul after a delay of about one and a half months but later returned to Badakhshan and has reportedly refused to resume his assigned duties for more than two months.
Sources affiliated with the Taliban claim that during his time in Zabul, he obtained information indicating a potential risk of arrest or targeting. As a result, after returning to Badakhshan, he strengthened his presence and military posture in the region.
According to these reports, on the 11th of Jawza, Jumah Fateh addressed a gathering of his supporters in the village of Jui Darah in Nusay district, claiming that he commands approximately 2,500 armed personnel and that his forces across Badakhshan and the northeast number around 10,000.
Findings from various sources indicate that he also has access to some remaining weapons depots from previous administrations. These stockpiles are said to include both light and heavy weapons that were previously under the control of local commanders and whose control has shifted amid changing circumstances.
Local sources further claim that in recent years, the commander has strengthened his arsenal through the use of local revenues, including mineral extraction, as well as through the informal trade and purchase of weapons.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
