Taliban to Form 1,000-Strong Force to Secure Badakhshan Mines

Ismail Ghaznavi, the Taliban governor in Badakhshan, announced that 1,000 new fighters, approved by Hibatullah Akhundzada, will be deployed to the province to protect gold extraction companies. He stated that the force is intended to safeguard investments and regulate mining processes.

In an interview, Ghaznavi explained that investments in Badakhshan mines require protection and systematic management, leading to the proposal for a dedicated security unit. He added that the force's activities will begin soon, with technical preparations underway.

Ghaznavi noted that revenues from the mines belong to the Taliban government but will be allocated to public welfare projects, particularly in Badakhshan.

Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with uncontrolled gold extraction, citing a lack of transparency and environmental destruction. In recent months, clashes have occurred between locals and Taliban-affiliated extraction companies in the province.

The Taliban has expanded underground mining, especially gold, in Badakhshan and Takhar provinces, with hundreds of companies operating in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban Ministry of Mines and Petroleum stated that 100,000 people are employed in gold mining in Badakhshan, working directly and indirectly in areas including Shahr-e-Buzurg, Yamgan, Kohistan, Raghistan, Khwahan, and Arghanj Khwah.