Clashes between Taliban and Juma Khan Fateh's forces in Badakhshan; dozens killed and injured

Heavy clashes between Taliban forces and those affiliated with Juma Khan Fateh, the disgruntled commander of the group, continue in Nasi district and several other districts of Badakhshan province. Local sources and reports published on social media report that dozens of forces from both sides and a number of civilians have been killed and injured.

According to these reports, the clashes began on Tuesday evening in Nasi district and have intensified in recent days in the Khoguz, Doabgi, Khunis and Il-Rama areas.

Juma Khan Fateh is said to have traveled to Kabul before the clashes began and met with a number of Taliban leaders; however, these meetings apparently did not yield any results and after returning to Badakhshan, following the escalation of differences with the so-called Southern Taliban movement, he has called on his subordinates and local residents to join the war against the Taliban.

In an audio message attributed to Juma Khan Fateh, he said to his men: “Give my greetings to the people. Let the people start the war.”

Casualties on both sides

Different sources have reported different numbers of casualties on both sides. According to some reports, between 30 and 70 soldiers from both sides were killed and several others were wounded. It has also been said that the number of special forces and forces affiliated with the southern Taliban in these clashes was around 15 to 26.

However, this figure has not yet been confirmed by independent and official sources and is likely to change as the fighting continues.

In one recent incident, a Taliban helicopter was targeted in Nasi district, and according to published reports, eight people, including a child, died as a result of this incident.

There have also been reports of Juma Khan Fateh’s son-in-law being killed by southern Taliban forces and his midwife being detained; however, the details of these incidents have not been independently confirmed.

Civilian Casualties

On the other hand, local sources in Badakhshan say that during the recent clashes, more than 10 civilians were killed and eight others were injured in Nasi district. So far, no official and independent statistics on civilian casualties have been published.

Clashes are still ongoing in parts of Nasi district, including Khoguz, Doabgi and Khunis, and reports indicate casualties on both sides.

Kabul Times News cannot independently verify the casualty figures and details of all reported incidents.

Reporting by Shahpour Naibzada