Taliban Security Delegation Reviews Conditions in Northern Afghanistan

DID Press: A high-level Taliban security and military delegation has travelled to northern Afghanistan to review security conditions in remote and mountainous areas, amid calls from Taliban officials for additional forces and equipment in the region.

The delegation was led by Mullah Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh, and included representatives from the ministries of Defence and Interior, the General Intelligence Directorate, as well as military, security and civilian officials. Recent reports say the delegation met officials from Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pol, Baghlan and Bamyan provinces.

During the meetings, officials discussed security conditions in remote and mountainous districts, coordination among security institutions, relations with local residents and the provision of public services. Wafa called for stronger Taliban formations and additional equipment in remote and mountainous districts.

Residents in areas covered by the visit reportedly raised concerns over roads, schools and religious schools, the construction of 50-bed hospitals, transparency in mining activities, access to water and the implementation of water-supply projects.

Taliban officials said residents’ concerns would be recorded and referred to the relevant authorities. They also called for greater coordination among government institutions, cooperation between residents and security agencies, and improved delivery of public services.

The security dimension of the visit has drawn particular attention because the call for additional forces and equipment comes amid reports of increased activity by armed opposition groups in parts of northern and northeastern Afghanistan. An Independent Persian report said Taliban officials had specifically requested additional personnel and equipment for mountainous areas, although no specific reason was publicly given for the request.

At the same time, the list of residents’ demands highlights challenges extending beyond security. Poor infrastructure, limited healthcare and education services, water shortages and concerns over mining activities remain among the issues facing communities in remote areas.

Note: Reports from the Taliban governor’s office and other Afghan media refer to five provinces—Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pol, Baghlan and Bamyan—rather than four.