Taliban Says Juma Khan Fateh Remains Loyal, May Be Moved to Kabul

DID Press: Taliban Chief of Army Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat has rejected reports of a major dispute between Juma Khan Fateh and the Taliban leadership, saying the commander remains part of the group and may be transferred to Kabul.

Speaking in a televised interview after his recent visit to Badakhshan, Fitrat said Juma Khan Fateh had not distanced himself from the Taliban and that his absence from the position of deputy governor of Zabul was due to “family issues” rather than political or military disagreements.

Fitrat described reports of deep divisions between Fateh and the Taliban leadership as “media propaganda” and said communication with the commander had remained active. He added that the deployment of Taliban forces to Nusay district in Badakhshan was aimed at “controlling mines and monitoring border areas,” not targeting Fateh.

However, local sources in Badakhshan have previously reported tensions between Fateh and Taliban leaders in Kandahar. Reports have linked the dispute to disagreements over the management of gold mines in Badakhshan, efforts to disarm forces loyal to Fateh, and his influence in the region.

Sources have also reported that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada had removed Fateh from his position as deputy governor of Zabul and considered appointing him to a government post outside Badakhshan, but Fateh reportedly rejected several proposals.

Despite Fitrat’s remarks, the purpose of a possible transfer of Juma Khan Fateh to Kabul remains unclear, raising questions over whether the move is intended to resolve tensions in Badakhshan or limit his local influence.