Taliban Blame “Malicious Individuals” for Fatal Shooting on Tajikistan Border

DID Press: Taliban’s Foreign Ministry has blamed “malicious and opportunistic individuals” for the shooting from Afghan territory that killed a young Tajik woman, saying the perpetrators sought to undermine security in Badakhshan province and damage the atmosphere of trust between the Taliban and Tajikistan. The Taliban did not identify the individuals.

The statement comes as sporadic clashes between Taliban forces and Jumakhon Fateh have intensified in recent days in Badakhshan. Fateh is based in districts bordering Tajikistan, with reports of exchanges of fire between the two sides. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Freedom Front has claimed control of parts of Zebak district, while the National Resistance Front has reported the killing of the Taliban-appointed mayor of Fayzabad. The developments point to growing pressure from opposition groups on the Taliban in northeastern Afghanistan.

According to Asia-Plus, a young Tajik woman was killed on Thursday evening, August 13, after being shot from Afghan territory in the Darvoz area of Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. The woman was pregnant and left behind a young child.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon expressed condolences to the victim’s family and ordered immediate assistance for them. Tajikistan’s Foreign Ministry also sent a protest note to the Taliban, describing the incident as a violation of its airspace and a threat to the security of its citizens, and called for guarantees regarding the security of the shared border.

The Taliban’s decision to blame “malicious individuals” appears aimed at distancing the group from direct responsibility, while Tajikistan has explicitly held the authorities in Kabul responsible for security along the border.