Clashes Erupt Between Taliban and Badakhshan Residents Over Gold Mine

DID Press: Local sources in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province reported heavy clashes between Taliban forces and residents of Yawan district over control of local gold mines.

The fighting broke out early Monday, October 13, after Taliban units entered Awez area to begin gold extraction — reportedly without consulting local communities. Residents resisted the move, sparking a violent confrontation.

Eyewitnesses said both sides used light and semi-heavy weapons, with casualties reported on each side.

Video footage sent to media outlets appears to show that clash involved Taliban fighters from multiple ethnic backgrounds — particularly Pashtun and Tajik members — alongside local residents.

Conflicts over natural resources, especially gold deposits, have recently become a persistent source of violence in Badakhshan. Locals in districts such as Warduj, Tagab, Karan and Manjan have repeatedly opposed Taliban efforts to exploit mines without community consent — often resulting in deadly confrontations.