Taliban Leader Claims Nationwide Security Amid Fighting in Badakhshan

DID Press: Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has claimed that peace and security prevail across Afghanistan and that “no gunfire is heard in any district,” despite reports of ongoing clashes in the northeastern province of Badakhshan.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid released an audio message attributed to Akhundzada on X to mark the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power.In the recording, Akhundzada said security had been established nationwide since the Taliban takeover in August 2021 and claimed that no district in Afghanistan was witnessing armed conflict.

He also described support for the Taliban administration as a duty for all Afghans, calling the group’s rule the outcome of what he termed a “holy jihad,” and said the collapse of the former republic reflected weaknesses in its political system.

The remarks come as local sources report continued clashes between Taliban forces and fighters loyal to Juma Khan Fateh in Nusay district, as well as battles with the Afghanistan Freedom Front in Zebak district of Badakhshan province.

According to local reports, hundreds of families and mine workers remain trapped in conflict-affected areas amid the fighting.The Taliban returned to power on Aug. 15, 2021, following the collapse of the previous government.

Five years later, no country has formally recognized the Taliban administration.