Kandahar–Badakhshan Rift Deepens Taliban Divide

DID Press: A newly circulated audio message attributed to Juma Khan Fateh denies any dispute with the Taliban leadership, but local sources say military deployments, failed negotiations, and heightened alert levels point to a growing internal crisis in northeastern Afghanistan.

The recording, published by Harit, a media outlet close to the Taliban, quotes Fateh as rejecting reports of tensions with the movement’s central leadership and describing claims of a crackdown against him as “enemy propaganda.”

Despite the denial, sources in Badakhshan say Taliban delegations have repeatedly tried in recent weeks to persuade Fateh to return to the group’s administrative structure, but the talks failed.

Following the collapse of negotiations, Taliban military activity reportedly increased across the province. Several local commanders in Shughnan, Shaki, and Darwaz have been removed from their posts, and efforts to disarm fighters linked to Fateh have intensified.

Fateh, who recently left his position in Zabul, has returned to the mountainous district of Nusay and placed his forces on full alert. According to local accounts, he told residents that his fighters would not “fire the first shot” but would remain in their home areas and surrender no authority.

Analysts say the dispute extends beyond security issues. Control of gold mining operations in Badakhshan has emerged as a key source of friction between Fateh and the Taliban leadership based in Kandahar.

Known among supporters as “Fateh of the Darwaz,” the commander has built significant influence in northern Badakhshan through control of strategic areas and local weapons stockpiles. Some reports claim he commands thousands of armed followers.

In recent days, the confrontation has entered a more serious phase. Local sources report that Taliban special forces from Panjshir and other regions have been deployed toward Badakhshan, with additional security cordons established along routes leading to Darwaz.

Taken together, the developments suggest a widening gap between the Taliban’s public narrative of unity and the realities on the ground, where military preparations and political tensions continue to intensify.