KABUL, Afghanistan: Five regime Taliban fighters were killed, 16 wounded, and at least five reported missing in clashes with forces loyal to dissident Taliban commander Juma Khan Fateh in Nusay district of northern Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, according to Afghan media reports.
The fighting, which began on Tuesday afternoon, intensified on Wednesday and has continued intermittently around several areas of Nusay, according to local sources cited by Afghanistan International and Amu TV.
The reports point to a growing armed confrontation between Fateh’s forces and Taliban regime fighters in the remote mountainous district.
Afghanistan International, citing Taliban officials in Badakhshan, reported that five Taliban regime fighters had been killed, 16 wounded and at least five were missing.
The news outlet reported that clashes intensified before noon on Wednesday. Videos showed a Taliban regime helicopter flying over the area, accompanied by the sound of sporadic gunfire.
#BREAKING
Taliban Helicopters Unable to Resupply Fighters in Nusai, Return to Shukai, BadakhshanFollowing clashes between the southern Taliban and forces loyal to Juma Khan Fateh, the Taliban attempted to transport military equipment from Shukai district to Nusai district… pic.twitter.com/G4ZThaSZBm
— Aamaj News English (@aamajnews_EN) August 12, 2026
Amu TV, citing local sources, said fighting had continued sporadically since Tuesday night. The sources said both sides had suffered casualties but initially provided no figures.
The fighting was reported in Khogaz, Doabgi, Khanis and Il-Rama. Taliban regime special forces personnel were also reportedly among those killed or wounded.
Fateh’s forces were reported to have suffered one fatality and three wounded, according to Afghan media reports.
Fateh calls for uprising
Fateh, a former Taliban official from Badakhshan, has called for an uprising against the Taliban regime.
In an audio message circulated on Wednesday, Fateh said fighting was underway and urged residents to join his movement.
‼️ Juma Khan Fateh Declares Armed Uprising Against Taliban in Badakhshan
Badakhshan — Dissident Taliban commander Juma Khan Fateh has called for a general uprising against the Taliban, confirming the start of active military clashes in Nesi district of Badakhshan province.
In… pic.twitter.com/Tnap0DEitJ
— Regional insight (@Regional_Asia) August 12, 2026
“For now, it is war. Clashes are ongoing. Convey my message to all the people: begin your movement and programmes,” he said.
Fateh’s forces have claimed to have captured two Taliban outposts in Doabi and Sarkoh. They also claimed control of Shoriyan, Juy Darreh, Sakht Darreh and large parts of the rural areas of Nusay.
Local residents said the Taliban regime had taken control of the district clinic, restricted movement, and cut telecommunications and internet services in parts of the district.
Also Read: Dissident Taliban Commander Calls on Afghans to Fight Taliban Regime
Amu TV, citing local sources, reported that the Taliban sent additional forces to Nusay on Wednesday morning under the command of Mawlawi Ghulam, deputy commander of a Taliban military division in Badakhshan.
The sources said Fateh and his fighters were positioned in mountainous areas, while Taliban forces were deployed around the district centre.
Aamaj News reported that Taliban forces had attempted to transport military equipment from Shukai district to Nusay following the clashes.
According to reports cited by Afghanistan International, a Taliban helicopter carrying reinforcements or supplies was forced to turn back to Shukai.
#BREAKING
Taliban Helicopters Unable to Resupply Fighters in Nusai, Return to Shukai, BadakhshanFollowing clashes between the southern Taliban and forces loyal to Juma Khan Fateh, the Taliban attempted to transport military equipment from Shukai district to Nusai district…1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/G4ZThaSZBm
— Aamaj News English (@aamajnews_EN) August 12, 2026
Videos obtained by Afghanistan International showed Taliban helicopters flying over the area and sporadic gunfire.
Reports said Taliban helicopters and drones had also been conducting patrols over the district.
Dispute over mines
The confrontation follows months of tensions between Fateh and the Taliban regime over control of mining activities in Badakhshan, disarmament and administrative appointments.
Fateh previously served as the Taliban regime’s deputy governor of Zabul province. He later became increasingly critical of the Taliban authorities and recently travelled to Kabul for meetings with Taliban regime officials.
In a recent speech, Fateh claimed to command about 10,000 fighters across Afghanistan.
Local sources said the fighting had resumed after a several-hour pause following an earlier four-hour clash between the two sides. The confrontation was particularly intense around areas linked to control of local resources, according to reports.
