KABUL: Fearing armed resistance in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province, the Taliban has ordered armed supporters of dissident local commander Juma Khan Fateh to surrender their weapons, marking the latest move by the group’s leadership to tighten control following weeks of internal tension.
According to local sources in Badakhshan, the directive targets fighters loyal to Fateh in the districts of Shekay and Nusay, both located in the Darwaz region, where the commander is believed to wield significant influence.
The disarmament order comes after a prolonged dispute between Fateh and senior Taliban authorities. During the standoff, Fateh reportedly claimed to command thousands of armed men. Individuals close to the commander said he had around 3,500 fighters in Nusay alone, alongside a substantial force in neighbouring Shekay.
Security sources familiar with the situation estimate that more than 5,000 weapons could be recovered if the disarmament campaign is fully implemented, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the Taliban in the strategically important border province.
To reinforce the operation, the Taliban has reportedly deployed special forces and intelligence personnel to Badakhshan in recent weeks. Local reports indicate that an intelligence convoy comprising around 100 vehicles has been involved in the operation, reflecting the seriousness with which the leadership is treating the unrest.
Some sources believe part of the deployment may have been intended to detain Fateh, although there has been no official confirmation from the Taliban.
Security Reinforcements and Leadership Dispute
The tensions escalated after Fateh and his followers refused to comply with directives issued by senior Taliban officials. In response, negotiations were initiated with the mediation of Fasihuddin Fitrat, the Taliban’s army chief, in an effort to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
Following the talks, Fateh was transferred from Badakhshan to Kabul, though details of his current status remain unclear. Amid the security operation, the Taliban has also reshuffled key administrative and security positions in the province.
The district governor and police chief of Nusay have been removed and replaced, while a new police chief has also been appointed in the Jurm district.
Local sources said the Taliban continues to maintain close surveillance over Nusay and Shekay, while efforts to collect weapons from fighters loyal to Fateh remain ongoing.
The developments highlight the Taliban leadership’s continuing efforts to consolidate authority and suppress internal dissent, particularly in Badakhshan, a province that has witnessed recurring friction between local commanders and the central leadership since the group returned to power in 2021.
