Tensions escalate in Badakhshan as Taliban deploys forces against local commander

Tensions have escalated in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan. A local Taliban commander named Jum'a Khan has established checkpoints in the areas under his control. This action comes despite his earlier statements in which he announced that he would not lead any armed conflict. The checkpoints are operating on a twenty-four hour basis.

The leadership of the Taliban has responded to the situation by deploying hundreds of special forces. These forces have been sent from Panjshir and other areas toward the Darwaz district. The purpose of the deployment is to prepare for a major attack on the base of Jum'a Khan that would involve multiple directions.

Additional movements have been reported. Taliban forces have entered the Shughnan district and are advancing in the direction of Darwaz. They have set up security belts along the road leading to Darwaz. At the same time, the Taliban are carrying out disarmament operations targeting local forces in Badakhshan that are not part of the official units.

Jum'a Khan Fatah is said to be in the Nasi district together with his local forces. The units that were deployed have occupied the central hospital in Shughnan. They did this overnight because there was insufficient accommodation available.

As a result, the situation along the axis between Shughnan and Darwaz is highly tense.