Fighting Spreads in Badakhshan as Maimay District Joins Clashes

DID Press: Local sources report that fighting has erupted between Taliban forces and armed men in Maimay district of Badakhshan province. The clashes began on Saturday evening, August 15, and were still continuing at the time of publication. The identity of the armed men remains unclear, and the Taliban have not issued an official statement.

The latest clashes indicate that fighting in Badakhshan has entered a broader phase. According to local sources, clashes between Taliban forces and unidentified armed men began Saturday evening in Maimay district, in the Darvoz area, and continued as the report was being prepared. The fighting has reportedly caused casualties, but the exact number of those killed or wounded remains unclear.

Sources said the identity of the armed men involved in the fighting has not been officially established. The Taliban have also remained silent about the incident.

The developments come as Badakhshan has witnessed growing tensions in recent days between the Taliban and forces under the command of Juma khan Fateh, a dissident Taliban commander. The main fighting began in Nusay district, with reports indicating that clashes continued for several days.

More recent reports indicate that fighting on Saturday spread to at least five districts of Badakhshan, including Maimay, Nusay, Zebak, Shighnan and Fayzabad. Local sources said clashes continued from morning until evening in some areas.

Meanwhile, Fasiuddin Fitrat, the Taliban’s army chief of staff, has called on Juma khan Fateh to halt the fighting and return to the negotiating table.