Mine Workers Protest in Badakhshan Over Closures, Allege Taliban Violence

DID Press: Dozens of mine workers in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province staged a protest on Tuesday after the Taliban shut down small-scale mining operations under a new directive banning what the group describes as illegal mining.

The protesters gathered outside the provincial Department of Mines, saying the closures have left hundreds of families without income. They alleged that while small, low-income mining operations have been suspended over the past month, mines linked to influential figures have continued operating.

Several workers accused Taliban forces of threatening and beating demonstrators during the protest. They also claimed local Taliban officials refused to address their grievances and prevented them from entering the government building. Reuters could not independently verify the allegations.

The demonstrations follow a recent decree by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada prohibiting unauthorized mineral extraction.

Disputes over gold mining in Badakhshan and neighboring Takhar province have intensified in recent months, with some incidents leading to clashes between local residents and Taliban forces, highlighting growing tensions over control of mineral resources in northeastern Afghanistan.