Taliban Factions Clash Over Gold Mine Revenues in Badakhshan

DID Press: An armed clash between two groups of Taliban forces over revenues from the Hishnam gold mine in Yamgan district of Badakhshan province left at least one person wounded, according to local sources, highlighting renewed disputes over control of mineral resources in the province. The incident was also reported by Afghanistan International.

Local sources told media that the clash took place early Friday, October 2, between forces affiliated with Qari Wazir, who is responsible for collecting revenues from the Hishnam mine, and forces of Jawadullah Samim, a commander close to Faseehuddin Fitrat, the Taliban’s army chief.

According to the sources, the wounded man was affiliated with Jawadullah Samim’s forces. A video of the incident has also circulated, reportedly showing repeated gunfire inside the mining area.

Following the clash, security was tightened in the area, and the Taliban deployed a reaction unit from Faizabad, the provincial capital of Badakhshan, to the site.

Disputes over control of mines and the distribution of their revenues are not new in Badakhshan. In recent months, clashes have also been reported between Taliban forces, local commanders and residents over gold mines. In May, a dispute over the Qatqati gold mine in Shki district reportedly left at least one person dead and several others wounded.

The latest clash at Hishnam comes amid continuing disputes over gold mining in Badakhshan. Recent reports have also raised allegations of gold extraction and control of mining operations in Yamgan district.